gen tech workshop + air tech mech

[charlie]

Good afternoon guys,

Im planning on applying for the RAF and the two trades of interest are general technician workshop and air technician mechanical.
I've been through the drums and sites, I know about he initial line stint of the air tech and slow /non existent promotion of techie.
What I'm hoping someone is able to shed some light on is:
Are the raf involved in base maintenance - heavy overhauls? I ask because I've read of flybe and Marshall's contracts.
If a liney is interested and willing to get involved, can they gain experience observing the techs working?
Is there a variety to what workshops turn their hands to - or is it one person makes bulk of this part,another this?

A bit about me - grew up around lathes and the like and enjoy being hands on and the sense of achievement when you hold the finished article. My other interest is planes and engineering. So these two trades are right up my street.

If anyone is able to offer further insight it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
Charlie

 

[Downsizer]

I wouldn't say promotion as techie is slow or non-existent. It isn't what it may have been, but lads are always getting picked up...

 

[charlie]

I wouldn't say promotion as techie is slow or non-existent. It isn't what it may have been, but lads are always getting picked up...

Thank you for that. I simply meant that I've read that it has steadied and that was of no concern to me

 

[vim_fuego]

You sound like a guy who likes the nitty gritty of engineering...making things etc?

If so I think these days you might find working 1st or second line a bit 'light' for you...as aircraft have modernised in the RAF inventory they are more modular ie changing boxes, plugging the jet into a computer to get a fault code then swapping out a unit. Clinical but not very in depth. Not sure how much second line work blue suitors do these days and probably close to zero third line...

Workshops may be more your thing...lots of making stuff, sometimes bespoke...and you're very popular when people want leaving gifts making!

 

[rest have risen above me]

As VF said if you want to make stuff it's workshops if you want to fix stuff go AMM.

 

[Downsizer]

Something else to ponder is WS is a small trade, and that will slow promotion. Small trades could also ripe for the chop when cuts come round, easy to civilianise perhaps...?

 

[Barch]

Another option is to look at the Army trade of REME (Rough Engineering Made Easy), they work on AAC aircraft, MT vehicles and do workshop work.

 

[charlie]

Something else to ponder is WS is a small trade, and that will slow promotion. Small trades could also ripe for the chop when cuts come round, easy to civilianise perhaps...?

You sound like a guy who likes the nitty gritty of engineering...making things etc?

If so I think these days you might find working 1st or second line a bit 'light' for you...as aircraft have modernised in the RAF inventory they are more modular ie changing boxes, plugging the jet into a computer to get a fault code then swapping out a unit. Clinical but not very in depth. Not sure how much second line work blue suitors do these days and probably close to zero third line...

Workshops may be more your thing...lots of making stuff, sometimes bespoke...and you're very popular when people want leaving gifts making!

Thanks for all the replies - the only other question I have is, are workshop techs also fitters?

 

[Barch]

Thanks for all the replies - the only other question I have is, are workshop techs also fitters?

No, they are normally employed as fabricators, machinists and welders.

From the horses mouth ...

Technical and engineering [h=General Technician Workshop]1[/h] General Technicians Workshops manufacture and repair components for aircraft, vehicles and specialist equipment. They work in specially equipped workshops and aircraft maintenance hangars.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Use manual and computer-operated machinery like drilling, milling, cutting and forming equipment
• Manufacture or modify aircraft parts to strict standards
• Consult with Aircraft Technicians on the best methods of component removal and fitting.

Similar civilian jobs Fabricator, Welder, Machine shop operator or Engineering fitter.

 

[charlie]

No, they are normally employed as fabricators, machinists and welders.

From the horses mouth ...

I've read the profile - I was only checking as it says 'consult with techs on best method of fitting' and includes fitter as similar jobs. Thanks