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PAY DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS
£18,600+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING AND SIX MONTHS SERVICE
£23,400+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER SPECIALIST TRAINING
£27,200+
+ BENEFITS
- After you have completed at least one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.
As a Communications Infrastructure Technician you will provide communication for the RAF’s digital infrastructure ecosystem by installing and maintaining essential fibre optic and data communication cables, radome structures and antenna masts working at height or in secure operation rooms.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
What will you do?
- Ensure that the RAF remains at the forefront of a progressive cyber engineering industry
- Repair, maintain and recover communication equipment
- Investigate and fix faults with antenna systems, fibre optic and data communication cables
- Assemble and install communication infrastructure such as antenna masts, fibre optic cables and radome installation structures
Meet Communications Infrastructure Technician, Ben
Discover more about Ben’s journey and how he uses his problem solving and team-working skills in his role.
Minimum education requirements
- As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
- You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
Requirements
- Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Must complete a specialist interview which includes a climbing aptitude test at RAF Digby, Lincolnshire
- You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality
- Commit to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
View all entry requirements >
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Network Cable Installer Level 3
The role of the network cable installer is to install, terminate, test and certify network cable infrastructure components in accordance with National and International industry standards. includes an industry standard Level 3 Managing and Supervising Working at Height qualification.
View full detailsCAREER, TRAINING
& EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Basic recruit training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
The first phase of the training is shared by all new recruits. Its aim is to help you adjust to military life. Included is fitness and military training as well as learning about the RAF lifestyle.
Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
26 weeks
RAF Digby
You’ll move to RAF Digby and attend specialist Communication Infrastructure Technician training.
Read more
03
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first assignment, you will be posted to an RAF base in the UK with experienced Communication Infrastructure Technicians, where you will be part of a small team.
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04
Additional qualifications
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Communication Infrastructure Technician you will be enrolled in a Network Cable Installer Advanced Apprenticeship.
Read more
05
Ongoing training
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Communication Infrastructure Technician, there are various opportunities for developing your skill sets.
Read more
06
Future career prospects
Progression
Ongoing
As assigned
After a year, you will be eligible for promotion to AS1 (T) when you pass the Trade Ability Test.
Read more
WHY JOIN
THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel and accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
View all benefits
"You really feel like you’ve achieved something when someone’s got no communications, they’ve lost everything, and you go in there and repair it."
Wayne (Communications Infrastructure Technician)
WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
- Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
- Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
- Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
- Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
- Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
- Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
- Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click here to try the online practice test.
2
Selection interview
Stage 2 of 6
Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.
Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests or hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Training
- The role you’ve applied for
- The RAF
You will be asked a series of standard questions during the interview, and be able to ask your own questions during the debrief that takes place afterward.
Some roles also require a second interview and/or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a one to three day period at an RAF base where you can see and experience the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3
Health assessment
Stage 3 of 6
All applicants are legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show they’re fit for military duty.
As part of this assessment we’ll check your overall health, focusing on areas like your hearing, eyesight and Body Mass Index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role.
View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 6
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender.
Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.
5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6
Training
Stage 6 of 6
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
- Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
- General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
- Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
- Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
- Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
- Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills.
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre–2017
GCSE 2017 and after
Scottish National 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
