Multi-skilling

[Grease Monkey]

Why?

Seems like a good idea but without the funding to co-locate the maintenance facilities and such a diverse equipment set to rectify/maintain the future looks poor. The fact that DWR TRTs are quicker for legacy MT Techs says it all.

Sending legacy tradesmen into specific post defeats the purpose!

Rant over, who else has an opinion?

GM

 

[Joe_90]

The reason that legacy tradesmen are put into certain posts is because around 40% still aren't X500. Whether it's because they can't do it at their Unit, or they haven't tried very hard to get it done because they don't like the idea I don't know. As the GTM start to come through the ranks, we must be close to the first GTM Cpl, that will change. It's not a system that is going to give instant gratification but it will slowly evolve. I know a lot of fitters feel let down at the moment but in part it's due to the GTM trade as a whole still not being fully ready to take on all the responsibilities of their new trade.

 

[Bignick]

The reason that legacy tradesmen are put into certain posts is because around 40% still aren't X500. Whether it's because they can't do it at their Unit, or they haven't tried very hard to get it done because they don't like the idea I don't know. As the GTM start to come through the ranks, we must be close to the first GTM Cpl, that will change. It's not a system that is going to give instant gratification but it will slowly evolve. I know a lot of fitters feel let down at the moment but in part it's due to the GTM trade as a whole still not being fully ready to take on all the responsibilities of their new trade.

Well said. I'm outside the normal GEF environment at the moment, but I have had anecdotal evidence that many assimilated GSE techs are less than excited about completing their x500 for a trade they never wanted to join, knowing that it means that their DWR turnaround could almost double. Hard not to have some sympathy with their situation.

 

[divorced again]

Although I had to attend the assimilation course as part of the carrot and stick process that is promotion, there is no requirement to complete the X500 to hold the substantial rank that you have been promoted to !! Does this not highlight the fact that Assimilation seems to be of little importance when it comes to the nitty gritty of getting the job done???

I still consider myself to be a MT Tech and voiced my concerns about Assmilation on numerous occasions whilst at the School (No 4S ofTT) much to the disaproval of my OC at the time. I have the negative comments on my annual report to prove it DT_Xtremez_34: but somehow it didn't seem to make a difference to the promotion board at the time DT_Xtremez_30:

I have not had the opportunity to attempt to complete the X500 due to my location, but even if I moved I don't think I would bother.

I firmly believe that the GTM trade will not be accepted until all legacy personnel have left - FACT!!

Off Topic anyone heard any rumours about tranche 2 redundancy for TG5??????

 

[harry the df]

Although I had to attend the assimilation course as part of the carrot and stick process that is promotion, there is no requirement to complete the X500 to hold the substantial rank that you have been promoted to !! Does this not highlight the fact that Assimilation seems to be of little importance when it comes to the nitty gritty of getting the job done???

I still consider myself to be a MT Tech and voiced my concerns about Assmilation on numerous occasions whilst at the School (No 4S ofTT) much to the disaproval of my OC at the time. I have the negative comments on my annual report to prove it DT_Xtremez_34: but somehow it didn't seem to make a difference to the promotion board at the time DT_Xtremez_30:

I have not had the opportunity to attempt to complete the X500 due to my location, but even if I moved I don't think I would bother.

I firmly believe that the GTM trade will not be accepted until all legacy personnel have left - FACT!!

Off Topic anyone heard any rumours about tranche 2 redundancy for TG5??????

Can I ask what your problem is with being multiskilled?

Similar things were bein said a few years ago by the aircraft techies when they underwent multiskilling but now that nearly all who need to have done it the problem has gone away (yes i know there are sqns that still have a rigger and engine desk for the heavies etc).

If you are looking for redundnacy then why would you not be looking to get as many strings to your bow as you can get? The ability to be able to demonstrate to a future employer that you are trained and experienced in your new skills, by having done Assimiliation and X500, may be the reason you do/do not get a job in the future. With most employers looking for evidence of competencies, for me this is an easy way to make your self better for the future either in or out of the RAF.

Harry

 

[divorced again]

Good point Harry, but I have no desire to have anything to do with engineering when I leave the military.

I know I seem proud to be a MT Tech, but I have become lazy after so many years of being stuck behind a desk. I get my car serviced in a local garage!! DT_Xtremez_42:


Strings to the bow are as you said the best way forward for future employment, so i am going to pick the best ones for me and hopefully I will make the right choice, as my next career will hopefully be my last.

Regards,

Vinny

 

[Martin Blank]

Hated multi skilling course, loved doing my X500.
Just wish I'd been able to stay on the other side for longer to polish up my vehicle fixing skills, not often you really get a tasty fault in the GSE side of things these days.

 

[daspeedz]

Hated multi skilling course, loved doing my X500.
Just wish I'd been able to stay on the other side for longer to polish up my vehicle fixing skills, not often you really get a tasty fault in the GSE side of things these days.

Bring back the mk11 I say

 

[Grease Monkey]

The Mk 11 Fire Tender was a good one!

Daspeedz, I guess you mean the engine and hyd pump that the geffries use!

 

[yamahagp1300r]

I agree; it won't work until all Legacy pers have left.PS, for all its faults, the MK XI Hyd Rig was great to work with. Did 18 months on them at Laarbruch and loved every minute.

 

[bawbagjambo]

MFVs

MFVs

Got called out to rectify a fault on an MFV. As a legacy GSE fitter, what the hell do i know about these. Apparently attending a brief will be all the adequate training i need to learn all about MFVs. Dog poo!!

 

[Bignick]

Got called out to rectify a fault on an MFV. As a legacy GSE fitter, what the hell do i know about these. Apparently attending a brief will be all the adequate training i need to learn all about MFVs. Dog poo!!

Awe please...you know plenty about them. Its just a big pump FFS. The only bit that should tax you is the drive train and maybe the brakes if you're a bit slow. It's just nuts 'n' bolts at the end of the day, and it ain't 'a brief' it's familiarisation training. Chill man DT_Xtremez_07:

 

[stansardlamp81]

Just man up and get it done! Us a/c techies have done it and after a bit of moaning everyone settled in to it eventually. I still like to try and pick my legacy trade jobs though!!

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

The Mk 11 Fire Tender was a good one!

As was the gearbox on the Mk9 . . . and the Jag engine in the back of the Mk8 . . . and the RL-based GGs.

I've been out a long time (ex TG6) - feel sorry for todays' lot - being dumbed down. But multi-skilling must be a fair price to pay in todays streamlined lean Air Force.

BTW, what's X500?

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

Got called out to rectify a fault on an MFV. As a legacy GSE fitter, what the hell do i know about these. Apparently attending a brief will be all the adequate training i need to learn all about MFVs. Dog poo!!

Would that be any different to an MT Tech called out to a sick Houchin? MFVs are a fairly specialised bit of kit - an LDV with a water tank they are not!

Which C&G quals are multi-skilled heavies getting now?

 

[Bignick]

BTW, what's X500?

Once you have completed your Multi-skilling course whether it be from GSE to GT(M) or MTT to GT(M) you will be issued certificate and a task book.

You must complete a range of tasks and put the details into the book, with supervisor sign off. Once these tasks are completed to management satisfaction you will then be given X500/X600 sign off and will then be a 'full' GTM able to deploy to all areas

Hope that helps

 

[Bignick]

Which C&G quals are multi-skilled heavies getting now?

C&G and NVQ 3. It is mentioned on this recruiting page. The picture at the top shows two guys from Leuchars (closing!) reeling in hoses on a Mk11 Hyd rig, which has been out of service for about 7 yrs. Nice one recruiters!!

 

[Grease Monkey]

What C&G vehicle maintenance quals are "heavies" getting to exhibit the underpinning knowledge to be proffessional tradesmen and therefore carry out MOTs?

I know the answer.....................

 

[Martin Blank]

The GTM's entering through Halton then Saints get the NVQ,
Legacy trades attending assimilation and do x500 get fek all, it was a massive bone of contention when I did my course in 2006
the only reply we were given is we could under our own steam apply to do an MT NVQ or GSE NVQ as required
If the trade sponsors couldn't be bothered to set up a certification for the course why should we bother.

slightly off topic, anyone remember on TMT 1 we were offered part 1 certificate for Management at the princely sum of £90 which after attending TMT 2 you would qualify for the next part completing the whole package?
Well I'm glad I didn't bother as by the time most of us got around to TMT 2 the qualification was removed from TMT.

 

[Hoof_Hearted]

Once you have completed your Multi-skilling course whether it be from GSE to GT(M) or MTT to GT(M) you will be issued certificate and a task book.

You must complete a range of tasks and put the details into the book, with supervisor sign off. Once these tasks are completed to management satisfaction you will then be given X500/X600 sign off and will then be a 'full' GTM able to deploy to all areas

Hope that helps

Ahh - OK thanks. So I bet all those with LMF slack and put off completing all their tasks to get out of visiting places with lots of sand!