*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 *** *** V The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: The Daily Telegraph CASE STUDIES CAREERS IN DEFENCE jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca Solutions on demand The armed forces would be powerless without the MoDs Defence Engineering and Science Group the professionals tasked with supplying technology. Ciar Byrne looks at a career with the force behind the Forces SOARING SUCCESS The RAF offers an exciting range of career opportunities from fighter pilot to aerospace battle manager. With aptitude and training, the sky is the limit, as Sarah James discovers ALAMY, M O D/CROWN COPYRIGHT AEROSPACE BATTLE MANAGER T SQUADRON LEADER JULES TILLEY, 45 an enormous variety of jobs and opportunities within the MoD. Individuals who join industry might have to move between employers to get the same breadth of experience. We have people in aerospace systems, maritime systems, land systems, weapons and communications. Theres nothing to stop them moving between those fields if they have the transferable skills. He continues: DESG is a virtual community across the MoD and its agencies. Although its not the frontline fighting force, we do have people who support the operations in conflict areas. They work on anything from new boots to satellites or warship refrigeration plants. Purvi, 28, who cannot give her surname for security reasons, recently completed the two-year training scheme. She has just started in her first post overseeing an upgrade of communications systems in Typhoon aircraft and works remotely from the MoDs central office in London, although her team is based in Bristol. A typical day for Purvi involves talking to industry partners, ensuring the logistics chain is running smoothly, and liaising with Flight Lieutenants and Squadron Leaders to make sure they have the right equipment when and where they need it. Purvi joined the DESG graduate trainee scheme at the end of a five-year masters degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Bath. She was originally assigned to nuclear weapons and her first placement involved attending nuclear accident exercises. he Defence Engineering and Science Group is the self-proclaimed force behind the Forces a network of 13,000 scientists and engineers who supply the Army, Navy and RAF with their state-of- the-art equipment. The DESG is part of the Ministry of Defence Civil Service and boasts a two-year training programme described as probably the best graduate development scheme in the UK. Each graduate trainee is allocated a mentor to guide them through a series of three- to six-month placements within the MoD and its industry partners. Trainees learn the entire life cycles of different pieces of kit from their development and production to in-service support requirements and disposal. These might be anything from GPS systems to aircraft carriers. A graduate could be seconded to the MoDs main office in Londons Whitehall or the US Department of Defense in the United States. They might work with Rolls-Royce in procurement for military submarines, take part in weapons demonstrations on Salisbury Plain, or assist on NATO trials of infra-red devices. The scheme offers a fast track to becoming a professionally chartered engineer or scientist because it is recognised by all the major science and engineering institutions. These include the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and more. Michael Batty, head of training at the DESG, explains: We offer S PIC CREDIT INTERSTATE 6/9 LIGHT Trainees could be working on anything from new boots to satellites quadron Leader Jules Tilley, 45, is an aerospace battle manager in the RAF, a job that involves co-ordinating aircraft movement in peacetime as well as in conflict. My son recently asked me if my job was like a computer game, says Jules. And in some ways you do need the same skills. You are moving pieces around in three dimensions a lot of the time in your head. As an aerospace battle manager, Jules directs fighter planes during battle to ensure they dont come into conflict with each other by accident. It is his job to point out where friendly troops are on the ground. Co-ordination is carried out either on maps or specialist computer systems, from static bunkers, a tactical air control centre or on board an early-warning aircraft. Jules has seen action in both Afghanistan and Iraq. It is not a job that anyone can do; aptitude and excellent co-ordination skills are essential. Its something you either have or you dont. Thinking fast, the ability to multi-task for a protracted period of time, and spatial awareness are other crucial skills. Graduates from RAF College Cranwell (the centre for RAF training) can take the relevant aptitude and psychological tests to join the Aerospace Battle Management Branch. If they pass, they go on to take a foundation course before being streamlined as either a weapons specialist, directing aircraft during battle, or as a surveillance specialist, who monitors the skies to gather information. Alternatively, they may become a space specialist to warn of missiles and intelligence- gathering satellites. Towards the end of her two years, she was commissioned to report on the liaison on nuclear activities between the UK and the US. The project entailed trips to Washington to interview senior staff in the Pentagon. Her work won an award from the Chief Scientific Adviser. For Purvi, one of the highlights of the scheme was forming a bond with other graduates. New recruits are put into teams and asked to complete a joint project. She says: Eleven of us started on the same day we are still in touch and help one another out. Another draw was the substantial training investment the DESG puts into each graduate. Around 20,000 a year is spent on training each individual, and they receive a starting salary of 23,427, rising to 27,578 by the end of the second year. I never get up not wanting to go to work, says Purvi. The fact that what you do is recognised is really important. The DESG Graduate Scheme is open to applications this year until HAWK JET PILOT FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ROGER CRUICKSHANK, 26 November 8. Rob Hearn, senior recruitment manager at DESG says: We increased our intake of graduate engineers in 2009 but found it a challenge to attract sufficient numbers of quality graduates in disciplines such as electronic engineering and quantity surveying. For more information visit www.desg.mod.uk In action: whether its training or the real thing, soldiers depend on the DESG to ensure that all kit satellite systems, vehicles, weapons and clothing is of the highest standard F The modern mariner What does it take to become a sailor or an officer with the Royal Navy? Sarah James talks to some of its professionals about life as a recruit and on board Join the band: training for officers is undertaken at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth 2016. But what is it like to live and work on a modern vessel? At sea, the ship is like a little village a community so teamwork is essential, says Lieutenant Commander Steve Moorhouse, captain of HMS Severn, an offshore patrol vessel that undertakes fisheries protection duties and homeland defence in UK waters. Youre in a metal box, in close confines, and everyone has to pull their weight. He says that a big part of his job as captain is to engender a sense of camaraderie, so that the ship can work effectively and people can enjoy their time at sea. It is also important to instil a sense of pride in the ship, and give everyone aboard her an opportunity to shine. Living and working in naval vessels at sea for extended periods may not always be easy, but everything is done to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Modern ships have email and other communications so sailors can stay in touch with their families. Sometimes family visits are possible while the ship is docked and time at sea is balanced by time at home. Some naval jobs are available on land. Training for officers is undertaken at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon, and, for ratings (non- commissioned sailors) at HMS Raleigh at Torpoint, Cornwall. Its mentally and physically challenging training, says Lieutenant Michaela Welsh, naval co-ordinator for captain naval recruiting. New officers are taken through everything from F rom fighting the Spanish in the 16th century to the battles that helped decide the Second World War, Britains fleet has one of the most illustrious naval histories in the world. Today the Royal Navy is still at the forefront of maritime warfare, with a new class of aircraft carrier due to enter service between 2014 and how to look after their kit to ship and defence studies, oceanography and meteorology. At Plymouth, new ratings learn about weapons and boat handling and even how to iron their shirt. Most are taken on between the ages of 16 and 36, while young officers are typically aged between 17 and 26. People join straight from school, or in search of a career change. There are bankers and former lawyers among recent recruits and people who have owned their own construction businesses. You do need to cope with long stretches of time away from home, says Welsh. But you are nurtured and supported throughout your career. And the friendships you build up during training stay with you. It really is a family atmosphere. People need to be motivated, with get up and go and a good deal of common sense, says Moorhouse. Officers need to be good leaders. Its a great job, with a lot of variety, and the weather plays a part. I know I couldnt face sitting in an office. The Navys strength is its people. Though they come from widely different social and educational backgrounds, they all work successfully together. For many, being in the Navy is an opportunity: they travel the world and acquire worthwhile qualifications equivalent to those in the civilian world. On top of that, the pays not bad either. For more information, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk WORKING UNDERTHESEA Lieutenant James Tuhey, 28, is a weapons engineer who has just completed an appointment in one of the Fleet submarines, HMS Trenchant, seeing service in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and east of Suez. Life on a submarine is demanding, says James, who oversees maintenance of the submarines weapons computer systems. Working six hours on, six hours off, things can change rapidly. You can go back on duty and find that an engineering problem has developed into something bigger, or the submarine is being deployed somewhere else. Its exciting. Submarines make their own oxygen and water, and are powered by lifelong nuclear reactors, so food is the only limiting factor to staying submerged. Up to 130 men can be on board, those in training often sleeping between the missiles and torpedoes. Theres a fair amount of room, says James. Not surprisingly, a good atmosphere is crucial. Communication skills are key, adds James. Theres little room for bravado or ego. Everyone has to get on and be tolerant. SJ light Lieutenant Roger Cruickshank, 26, is a Hawk jet pilot in the RAF, currently working as an instructor at RAF Valley, on Anglesey. Nothing quite beats flying in a Hawk, with the hills and valleys whizzing by, says Roger. Its an incredible experience. We fly in all weather conditions, so there are always many variables. Every time you go up, you learn something new. We constantly practise techniques from low-level flying to tactical moves and close formation. Becoming a pilot was a childhood dream for Roger, although his career path has been unconventional. Soon after joining the RAF as a direct entrant at 18, he was given a four-year sabbatical to train with the British Alpine skiing team and took part in the Downhill and Super G ski racing events in the Winter Olympics of 2006. Roger began his pilot training soon after that, starting with elementary exercises in a Grob tutor aircraft at RAF Wyton. From there, pilots can become either jet fighter pilots, helicopter pilots or multi-engine pilots flying Hercules planes and transport aircraft. At RAF Linton-on-Ouse Roger trained as a jet pilot for nine months. It was, he admits, a very tough course. He then did a further six-month advanced fast jet training course, flying Hawks. To become a pilot you have to be quick with maths, and have great hand-eye co-ordination. Youve got to be able to keep a cool head, and not panic under pressure, says Roger. While the aptitude to become a pilot is to some extent something you either have or you have not, everyone works intensely. Were all trying to be the very best we can. Throughout your career you are scored on every individual element of what you do every take-off and landing. Theres constant pressure. traffic across a 60-mile radius. We are responsible for ensuring safe landing and take-off. If pilots cant see very far due to bad weather, we then ensure safe transit through the local airspace. Emily was sponsored by the RAF through university and, upon graduating, attended Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell. She then went for six months further training on the specialist Air Traffic Control Course at RAF Shawbury. Her first tour of duty was at RAF Leuchars. Leuchars is a great place to be because the base is operating for 24 hours a day. There are many different types of aircraft coming in, from fast jets to helicopters, says Emily. Since that first posting she has also undertaken tours of duty in the Falklands, Iraq and RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales before coming back to RAF Leuchars, where she is currently working on planning and projects. For more information, visit www.raf.mod.uk AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER FLIGHT LIEUTENANT EMILY WHITECHURCH, 30 F light Lieutenant Emily Whitechurch, 30, is an air traffic controller currently based at RAF Leuchars, Fife. She was determined to join the RAF while still at school and attended a series of interviews and tests that pointed to an aptitude for air traffic control. When I looked into it further I was really excited by the prospect it was just the job I was looking for, says Emily, who went on to gain a degree in economics from the University of Liverpool. My role is to ensure the safe control of all aircraft from here in the control tower. That could mean visually from the glass room at the top of the tower or by radar, which we use to control air
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 *** *** CAREERS AT THE CUTTING EDGE FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS PAGE 5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DSEI EXHIBITION NOW ON AT LONDONS EXCEL CENTRE DEFENCE INDUSTRY SHOWCASE PAGE 6 IN THE FRONT LINE AGAINST WEAPONS OF MASS DISRUPT
*** II *** *** WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *** CAREERS IN DEFENCE NEW MARKETS GETTY The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca SURVIVING he UK defence sector is one of Britains major employers, and a significant contributor to the economy more than 300,000 peopl
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 *** *** III The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: MoD/CROWN COPYRIGHT The Daily Telegraph ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS CAREERS IN DEFENCE jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca W hen Brigadier Chris Murray joined the Army in 1974, he told himself hed do the job as long
*** IV *** *** WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH ***
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 *** *** V The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: The Daily Telegraph CASE STUDIES CAREERS IN DEFENCE jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca Solutions on demand The armed forces would be powerless without the MoDs Defence Engineering and Science Group the profes
*** VI *** *** WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *** CAREERS IN DEFENCE DSEI EXHIBITION The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca M O D/CROWN COPYRIGHT Defence showcase KEY SPEAKERS IAN CARNELL Head of Learning Strategies at Semta Research shows that the net cost of t
*** *** THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 *** *** VII The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: The Daily Telegraph TECHNOLOGY CAREERS IN DEFENCE jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca Technological services of different kinds play a vital role in modern warfare. Lisa Sewards looks at the latest developmen
*** VIII *** *** WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH *** CAREERS IN DEFENCE CYBER SECURITY The Daily Telegraph JOBS ONLINE: jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca W e take cyber security for granted at our cost. If you have ever been the victim of a computer virus, or had your credit card data stol
