J/T’s were initially Mechanics who returned for a Further Training (FT) course (of which I was one) to be trained to technician level and on graduation were promoted from SAC to Jnr Tech.
Rubbish! Some time ago before all this confusion there was Direct Entry (DE) technicians and Apprentice technicians. After approx 1 years training at the rank of AC, DE's passed out as JT's, (Eng Tech A etc). Apprentices spent three years at the rank of AC learning at least two trades before passing out as a JT, (Eng Tech A/P etc), usually promoted to Cpl a year latter.
The SAC Technician’s course was for Mech Techs who retuned for FT training after approx 2 years and on graduation were “promoted” to the rank of SAC Technician (SAC(T)).
Yet more tosh! Prior to the whole Mech/Tech thing (which, many may not know, started in 1991) if you didn't join as a DE or Apprentice you joined as a Mech. After around 6-12 months (depending on trade) training as an AC, all passed out as an LAC (A Mech A etc), leading on to SAC at 12 months of service with the RAF, assuming TATS etc was passed. With hard work and solid graft Further Training (FT) was offered, this was usually referred to as a "fitters course". Training at the rank of SAC, passing out as a JT
Now then, Mech/Techs. First Mech/Techs arrived at RAF Halton in early 91, all other forms of entry to technical trades ceased. They were, I believe, recruited with a min of 4 GCSE's or similar. They did around 9 months of basic training as an AC then passed out as an LAC, then promoted to SAC. After around 18 months after passing out they were recalled for further training above any Mechs from the old scheme. This was almost a god given right, I don't know of any that missed out but by god there was many that should have! They passed out as JT's.
During the mid 90's when the RAF shrunk somewhat there was no recruitment. Then around maybe 96 or 97 they started again with Mech/Techs, same as before.
On all Mech/Tech entries were some people that were recruited that did not have the pre-requisite qualifications, quite often refferd to as Mech/Mechs. They often got upgraded at training and passed out the same as Mech/Techs. Failing this they were selected for FT the same as the old A Mech's.
Around 98 or 99 the RAF began to offer Assim courses to SAC's. Many took them as they feared they may never get a FT course. The Assim course was similar to FT with out the heavy schooling element. They passed out as SAC's but (I believe) they had the same status as JT's.
One JT who used to work at Lossie AMF, 12 and 617, I can't write his name as I got told of last time. Its the same name as that gay chap who is yellow and presented Supermarket Sweep, he used to be called Stinkbomb an 617 or Stale ****** on 12, he was offered Assim training but turned it down as he "always wanted the pride of being a JT". Spawny prick got offered a place on the very last FT and ruined the rep of all the all the Jelly Tot Mafia out there!
What cracks me up is when the Mech/Tech knob heads that joined up circa 97 onwards complain about the hardship they have from SAC(T)'s! They can all Gettae as far as I'm concerned! By the way, can anyone guess I'm a bitter and twisted A Mech A bred at Halton!
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