Went into AFCO today

[Robo21]

Hi,

I had my appointment to go to AFCO today,

I went with the idea of joinin as WSOp (Elec), I have rubbish GCSE's but NVQ level 3 (equal to A level) and RAF do not count NVQ without GSCE's!!!

So two options really study my GSCE's or join as an ape or sumat with lower GSCE resultd needed.

I don't mine the idea of regiment but what sorta future is there?

Money mainly, what kinda wage wud i get after 2 years?

Cheers

Si

 

[lisab]

How old are you? To be honest my first instinct is to tell you to try and get the GCSEs results you need if Wsop is the career you really want.

 

[grumpyoldb]

Don't give up, there are always options.

I joined up without any qualifications at all,(they were desperate in those days,) but started studying after I got to my first post-training station.

If you went in as regiment, it would get you through the door, so to speak, and at least you would be earning a wage while you study, then re-muster for the trade you really want.

At least then, the RAF would know you, and that you are trying to better yourself.

Good luck.

 

[True Blue Jack]

What's more important to you? Joining the RAF, or joining as a WSOp?

You will still need the GCSEs to cross over once you are in and although there are mechanisms within the RAF to help you achieve them you are looking realistically at spending 2 years or more in a trade that was not your first choice.

That's not always a bad thing but be sure it is what you want before you dive in.

 

[Studley dangerfcuk]

You could join as a TG4 ICT specialist. Computer based work. You can join Un-qualified. At least when you hit Cpl you get techie pay.

Somit to think about.

Studley DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[Robo21]

How old are you? To be honest my first instinct is to tell you to try and get the GCSEs results you need if Wsop is the career you really want.

Lisa,

I'm 22, i curently work as a design engineer altho i have no "REAL" skills just experience behind me.

I'd love to join as regiment but is decent money once your in and get a few years experience behind you.

Kinda annoys me that money is the biggest factor init but i have a mortgage ect ect!!!

Si

 

[Robo21]

Don't give up, there are always options.

I joined up without any qualifications at all,(they were desperate in those days,) but started studying after I got to my first post-training station.

If you went in as regiment, it would get you through the door, so to speak, and at least you would be earning a wage while you study, then re-muster for the trade you really want.

At least then, the RAF would know you, and that you are trying to better yourself.

Good luck.

Grumpy,

At the AFCO I kinda got the impression that if i join as regiment it would be a while before i could train a different trade,

Is this true?

 

[lisab]

RAF careers website has loads of information http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/rafregimentgunner.cfm?tab=thefacts

 

[Minor]

You really only have 2 options. Go and get the grades you need to join your prefered trade or take what ever else you can. The decision depends on what you want from the RAF. If you want to join the RAF no matter what then go for it. BUT if its Wsop that you want then go away get the grades and then apply. Theres no point taking second best as you might regret it and never have the opportunity again.

 

[sinnick]

If money is your basic consideration, then use your initiative to look at the armed forces wage structure.....it aint hard.

If you think being an 'ape' is the second choice then maybe you should look at another career. Todays Regiment gunners have experience beyond their years due to their training and mentoring by some **** hot NCO's. ...and they are laying down their lives protecting us on OP's. Give them more respect than just making it your only chance to serve. I am sure Honington lads reading your comments would love to have you at Depot!

On the subject of GCSE's....you can do 10 week intensive courses with one day a week off work whilst in the RAF. You get an IGCSE which the RAF recognise for Aircrew jobs....hope this helps.

 

[Robo21]

You really only have 2 options. Go and get the grades you need to join your prefered trade or take what ever else you can. The decision depends on what you want from the RAF. If you want to join the RAF no matter what then go for it. BUT if its Wsop that you want then go away get the grades and then apply. Theres no point taking second best as you might regret it and never have the opportunity again.

Minor,

WSop was the job that caught my eye if you understand,

My list would have gone:

1, WSOp

2, Regiment

3, Aircraft Tech

Wsop and Air Tech require the same entry levels, so I could apply now for regiment.

As for money yes it a factor but n start wage is gonna be a struggle but its something just about everyone who joins has to got throught it i guess.

I've got massive respect for all RAF personnel.

Just wanted to know if the regiment had similar career prospects to other roles within the RAF.

 

[Weebl]

Whatever you decide to do, thinking of using your NVQ level 3 in whatever as A level equivalents is probably not a good idea.

Just about the only people who will take an NVQ3 as 2 'A' levels are the NVQ people.

If your choice of careers requires academic qualifications, you will need to go to further study and get them.

DO NOT join the RAF as a trade with the intention of retrading to what you actually want at a later date, it hardly ever works out right, and if it does you have still wasted time, yours and those who trained you.