Hello from an Irish Officer wannabe

[nqemtp]

Hows it going,

My name is James and Im thinking about applying to be a Training Officer. Reason being, Irish citizens are not allowed to apply for any of the top jobs, and training seems to be the best and most varied of the lot left over. Besides, "those that can't do, teach", as the saying goes.

Im working as a paramedic at the moment, but fancy a change to something that doesnt mean working almost every weekend and doing 60-100hrs per week, dodging a hail of vomit/blood/fists/walking sticks along the way! DT_Xtremez_14:

I've also worked as an airport firefighter/police officer in an ICAO Cat.7 airport, but it bored the @rse off me as training was almost non-existent and I didnt see as much as a lit match outside of basic training.

I would be interested to hear from any other Irish guys or girls of any rank to see what life is like for them, and also from anybody in the training branch that can advise me as to what sort of things they do from day-to-day.

The p;#s-taking can commence, although please note that I am not 3ft4 with red hair, nor do I have a pot of gold at the bottom of the garden... I keep it in the bank like any sensible person!

 

[vim_fuego]

Welcome to the Goat...

I'm sure somebody can answer at least one of your questions...

I was wondering...Do you own a bracelet with lots of little trinkets dangling off it...and are people always after them??

 

[skevans]

Hows it going,

My name is James and Im thinking about applying to be a Training Officer. Reason being, Irish citizens are not allowed to apply for any of the top jobs, and training seems to be the best and most varied of the lot left over. Besides, "those that can't do, teach", as the saying goes.

Im working as a paramedic at the moment, but fancy a change to something that doesnt mean working almost every weekend and doing 60-100hrs per week, dodging a hail of vomit/blood/fists/walking sticks along the way! DT_Xtremez_14:

I've also worked as an airport firefighter/police officer in an ICAO Cat.7 airport, but it bored the @rse off me as training was almost non-existent and I didnt see as much as a lit match outside of basic training.

I would be interested to hear from any other Irish guys or girls of any rank to see what life is like for them, and also from anybody in the training branch that can advise me as to what sort of things they do from day-to-day.

The p;#s-taking can commence, although please note that I am not 3ft4 with red hair, nor do I have a pot of gold at the bottom of the garden... I keep it in the bank like any sensible person!

Welcome to the goat.

Considering your background I am suprised that you would be looking towards joining the education branch of the RAF.

I have spent six months on secondement to an education centre and would say that for someone seeking excitement you are looking in the wrong place. The people that teach in the RAF are already trained in whatever specialisation they are teaching, direct entry educationalists aren't trained in any specialisation. You will probably spend your first few years on a station as a flying officer in the eduction centre. Your main duties will be to organise courses for other people to teach and to be available to give advice to people wanting to educate themselves further. Thats if the PLA (personal learning advisor) isn't already doing it.

If you are lucky you might, after a few years, move into a training establishment, however you will once again be in more of a line management role for the real instructors. Or an accreditation centre, maybe a squadron, maybe anything, but very very rarelly will you ever teach.

What qualifications do you have to join the admin (training) branch?

 

[nqemtp]

I was wondering...Do you own a bracelet with lots of little trinkets dangling off it...and are people always after them??

Why is everybody always after me lucky charms?! DT_Xtremez_30:

Hi SKevans,

The reason I was looking at the Training branch was because it is an area I have always been interested in, I have done a couple of medical and H&S instructor courses in the past and I enjoy teaching. I was not aware that this role would involve merely being a line manager without doing much instructing. That is the kind of thing they don't tell you in the brochures, thank you!

My qualification is a BA Degree in Economics, by the way.

 

[skevans]

The good thing about sites like this is that you can find out from the guys on the ground what it is all about.

Back in 2002 I completed a PGCE and was recommended for commisioning in the admin (training) branch. If I had taken it I would still be looking for an opportunity to take a class now.

Why don't you approach your local airbase and speak to people within the branch there? You might as well get a balanced opinion from all corners before you make a choice.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[nqemtp]

Thanks SKevans,

I'll let you know how I get on.