Responsibilities
Duties to include:
- CIS Specialists will keep military Task Groups of warships and F35B aircraft communicating in the Battlespace via any possible means
- Operate sophisticated global networked information systems, so you’re always able to receive communications that are crucial to the day-to-day operation of the ship
- Work with your team to take responsibility for the ship’s complex data-processing network systems, including the internet and satellite, placing you at the heart of tactical and strategic communications
- Find a solution to whatever problem comes your way, working with your team in challenging environments and high-pressure situations
Future Prospects
You will start your naval career as an Able Rate. With experience and further training, you could be promoted to Leading Hand and beyond. If you show the right commitment, skills, and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer. Members of the Royal Navy are promoted on merit. Work hard and you can rise through the ranks
Reality Check
Training and development continue throughout your career with the Royal Navy. It takes place in two distinct environments: at onshore training facilities and on-board operational ships. When you join you complete 10 weeks of basic naval training, followed by 6 months of specialist Communication and IT systems training at the Maritime Warfare School, HMS Collingwood, focussing on:
- Online Network Engineering
- Operating specialist communication and IT equipment
- Defensive Cyber Operations
- CIS security
- Battlespace Communications
- High Grade Messaging - Up to and including secret information
There are many benefits of undertaking an Apprenticeship within the Royal Navy, such as:
Start on a salary of over £15,600, rising to £20,000 on completion of your role specific training. As your career progresses you have the potential to earn in excess of £51,000
- Adventurous training - from skiing to diving
- Wide range of benefits including a House Purchase Scheme
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year plus bank holidays
- Free medical and dental care
- Access to superb sport and fitness facilities
- Subsidised travel and accommodation
- Excellent pension scheme
Skills Required
The Royal Navy will give you skills. We will develop your abilities, train you to be the best, show you how to achieve your goals and give you recognised qualifications.
Qualities Required
- A quick thinker, with a passion for working with the latest equipment and technology
- A problem-solver, with a common sense approach, who can work well as part of a team
- A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
- Enthusiasm for networks, information systems and communications
Qualifications Required
No qualifications required – just that you pass a Recruit Test and are in a good state of health and fitness.
Training Provided
At the end of your Apprenticeship training you will have achieved:
Level 3 Apprenticeship – Unified Communications Technician.
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry onto the Register of IT Technicians upon confirming an appropriate SFIA level 3 professional competence and those completing the apprenticeship would then be eligible to apply for registration.
You can also gain academic qualifications such as GCSEs, A-levels, even a degree. As well as helping you develop your Royal Navy career, everything you achieve will be recognised and valued by future civilian employers.
