Engineers and Technicians across the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT) have been drilling down into the nuts and bolts of engineering, exploring their passion and inspiration in support of #NationalEngineeringDay.
National Engineering Day is a celebration of engineering and technology, highlighting role models who are shaping our everyday lives and the world around us for the better.
The DCTT trains and educates 20,000 military trainees every year in aeronautical engineering, electronic and mechanical engineering, and communications and information systems. They provide essential support to the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in their role protecting the UK and its overseas territories, alongside peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives.
The College has three Schools and nine sub-Schools based at MOD Lyneham, Blandford, RAF Cosford, RAF Digby and HMS Sultan. We spoke to Cpl Luke Thompson about being a DCTT instructor and Sub Lieutenant Ruby Parker, Royal Navy Air Engineering Officer about air engineering training.
Cpl Luke Thompson, DCTT Instructor at No.1 Radio School commented: “I joined the RAF in 2014, as a Cyberspace Technician. I completed my training at RAF Cosford and was subsequently posted 90 Signals Unit as a Tactical Communications Technician, where I deployed Information Systems (IS) and networks to support operations and exercises globally.
“My second role was as technical support and presentation delivery for the RAF Presentation Team. This was a really challenging yet rewarding job role, as I able to travel around the world and deliver presentations to large crowds.
“I am now in my 10th year of Service and working as a training instructor, training students on the latest cutting-edge IT technology used to support operations and exercises.
“Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, meet fantastic people and have unforgettable experiences. I have always made the most of everything that the RAF has to offer, be that support in my sporting career, or new and exciting job roles that challenge me.
“For me, a career as an engineer in the RAF is more than just a job”.
Sub Lieutenant Ruby Parker, DCTT trainee at Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival School (RNAESS) told us: "I’m Ruby Parker, I’m 22 and I’m at RNAESS, HMS Sultan in the Phase 2 of my training. I’m training to be an Air Engineering Officer, this will entail preparing and supporting the air frames the Navy have, the Merlins, the Wildcats and the F35s jets in future operations around the world.
"I first got into engineering through studying STEM projects at school and then went on to do the same in my A-levels. I then decided to study an engineering degree, and joined the Royal Navy as an Air Engineering Officer. Every single day of my training I’m using those skills throughout my education.
"What I really like about engineering is the problem-solving side of things and it can be really rewarding when you work as a team and things come together and see how they work. Students should look at a career in engineering because there’s lots of opportunities out there within the engineering world and it is a lot of fun!"
The DCTT will soon be recruiting a range of Specialist Instructional Officer roles at its MOD Lyneham site. Whether you are soon to leave the Service or starting out in your engineering/teaching career, this new and exciting challenge with flexible work-life balance and many more benefits could be for you!
Search for your next role on Civil Service Jobs.
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