How to get on the army job ladder

A career in army technology can be a rewarding experience often involving international travel, exciting placements and the thrill of working with some of the most advanced cutting edge technology on the planet. Successful entry into this field depends on the candidate’s commitment to obtaining a combination of the right qualifications and life experience.

Opportunities

Those looking for job opportunities in military technology have a wealth of choice of technology-based areas to enter. Army technology covers a wide range of areas from electronics and computers to heavy engineering and power supply. Any of these roles can present many opportunities, but they are far from being the only possible roles for a candidate. Army technology can cover any and every field of technology so there are a wide range of opportunities open to candidates working in the general field. International employment opportunities are common given the global spread of the army technology industry.

Qualifications

Recruitment for positions in army technology-based enterprises varies widely but focuses on science and engineering subjects. As the demands of the industry call for a wide variety of skill levels, entrants’ qualifications will also vary accordingly. In some cases apprenticeships are available but more employers will be looking for a qualification similar to the Higher National Certificate issued in the UK or for graduates in an appropriate skill area. Masters or PhD graduates are also sought. In general, arts degree holders are not so sought after. Those with a BA degree may wish to consider completing vocational postgraduate certificate courses in a science. Candidates with other qualifications, such as information technology and marketing, are also much sought after.

Competition for army technology roles is traditionally high as the current offshore workforce ages and as skills shortages appear, the race is on for recruiters to secure the next generation of scientists and engineers who will represent the industry’s future. There is also considerable opportunity for candidates to apply for work in countries they are not permanently domiciled in thanks to the global breadth of the industry.

Graduate recruitment

Most larger companies operating in the field of army technology have policies and systems in place for recruiting graduates. These include AEI Systems, BAE Systems, Caterpillar, General Dynamics, Rolls-Royce and SAAB to list some of the more prominent organisations. This recruitment process usually begins up to a year before graduation, with applications and information available online through the company’s website. Candidates should note, however, that in some cases bursaries may be available for those commencing university study. It is important that candidates contact sponsorship companies directly and as soon as possible in order to secure support.

Work experience

Work experience, internships and summer placements are available with many companies and are advantageous to candidates seeking first-time employment. Such placements allow the candidate to get a feel for the industry and gain insight into a preferred area of work. They also provide the company with an opportunity to observe performance and fitness for the organisation, which if suitable, will put the candidate in good standing for landing a graduate position with them. Work experience is also incredibly valuable for your CV, as it is indicative of self-motivation and a personal commitment to bettering your career.

Further training

On the job training is constant at all levels of employment due to the demanding and fast-changing nature of army technology. Although a great deal of training will be on the job and connected to new products coming online, for many employed in the army technology sphere additional academic qualifications gained after graduation will be invaluable with regard to career development as this is a very competitive area. In many cases such courses of further study will be paid for by the employer and candidates are urged to learn what resources in this area potential employers offer.

Progression up the career ladder, once a position is secured, can take several years but may be accelerated in smaller or niche enterprises. Given the global nature of the industry, progression up the career ladder may be hastened by candidates taking placements in foreign countries.

With this information and these suggestions in mind, your journey onto and up the career ladder in the army technology industry will likely be one that is successful, fulfilling and exciting.

Future prospects

Army technology is a dynamic field in which companies are keen to develop their personnel and promotion can be rapid for the right candidate. There are well-planned career paths in place at all levels. The international army technology industry offers fantastic prospects for international travel. Qualifications gained in the army technology industry are easily transferred to non-military applications, which provide excellent lifelong career prospects to the right candidate.