Get qualified and travel the world
“You cover a wide range of subjects that allow you to be proficient with both civilian and military electrical equipment.”
Could you set up electricity at a base out in the field? Or get emergency power up and running in a blackout? These are the kinds of tasks you’ll handle as an Army Electrician. With our first-class training, you’ll soon become qualified. You’ll learn about electrical engineering, low voltage underground cables, alarms and power generators. You can also get trade qualifications and your driving licence. This can open up other jobs in the Army and the civilian world. Wherever you’re based – in the UK or abroad – you’ll have good mates around you and an exciting, active life.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Learn the principles of electrical engineering
- Work on single and three phase electrical installations
- Install Low voltage underground cables
- Install intruder and fire alarm systems
- Operate power generation equipment
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Then it’s off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley for ten weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham for 33 weeks. Here, you learn about wiring systems, electrical technology and power generation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and one other subject
FITNESS: Lift 35kg, Carry 120m, 1.5 mile run in 13 min 15 sec (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
From 1 April 2019, the tests you take at the Assessment Centre will change:
Mid Thigh Pull 118kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 45s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 3 Award in The Requirements For Electrical Installations BS 7671:2008 (2015) (17th Edition) (City & Guilds)
- Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Electrotechnical Studies and Practice (Military Engineering)
- Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (City & Guilds)
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Sapper your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“I’ve enjoyed my time on the 0-2 electrical course; you cover a wide range of subjects that allow you to be proficient with both civilian and military electrical equipment. At the beginning of the course there is an emphasis on learning the theory behind the trade, but as the course progresses it becomes more hands-on. It was rewarding to put what I had learnt in the classroom into practice.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
Your training will depend on your military experience, trade qualifications and the role of your unit. If you need basic soldiering skills, you learn them at your nearest Army Training Unit.
Step 2
Then, you go to the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, to be trained by Regular Army instructors. You learn to handle weapons, read maps and give first aid. Combat Engineer training is given by your unit. Finally, you have trade training at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham. Over 33 weeks, you learn about wiring systems, electrical technology and power generation.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade C/4 or above in at least Maths, English Language and one other subject
FITNESS: Lift 35kg, Carry 120m, 1.5 mile run in 13 min 15 sec (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
From 1 April 2019, the tests you take at the Assessment Centre will change:
Mid Thigh Pull 118kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 10m 45s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 3 Award in The Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671 2008 (17thEdition) – (City and Guilds)
- Level 3 Award The Initial Verification and Certificate of Electrical Installations – (City and Guilds)
- Electrical Installation Work Course C (C Cert)
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Sapper your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“I am currently undertaking a Phase 2 Trade Electrician course in Military Engineering at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent. The course offered by 1 RSME gives soldiers the chance to gain a trade that can be used on operations and on exercise. The electrician’s course offers the most up-to-date curriculum used in industry and is delivered by experienced instructors in state of the art facilities.”
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.