b'8 Partner News Spring 2022MODREME Electronics Techniciana pathway to engineering professionalismBy SSgt Joey Burton BEng (Hons), Artificer Systems Instructor, 8 Trg Bn REME.Electronics Technicians (Tech Elec) from theMoving into supervisory roles trade workforce, working on project teams Royal Electrical and Mechanical EngineersThe next opportunity for more formaldeveloping Army equipment and instructing (REME) are responsible for the maintenancetraining generally occurs between four andat 8 Trg Bn. Its during these postings and modification of a vast array ofsix years later, when Tech Elecs are deemedthat Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status military equipment including vehicles,competent and experienced enough tocan typically be applied for as sufficient communication systems, weapon systemsbecome Class 1 supervisors. This gives themexperience has been gained to meet the and robotics.further engineering responsibilities, such asspecification. equipment inspection and the coaching and Theyre expected to work on some ofmentoring of Class 2 and 3s.Other opportunities are frequently the Armys most up-to-date technologyafforded to those who seek further in diverse and challenging environmentsTraining takes place back at 8 Trg Bn andprofessional development, such as part-and therefore receive very comprehensivecovers many of the same academic areas astime postgraduate studies, with the MOD training throughout their careers. initial technical training, but in more detail.offering support in the form of finances and Theres also a greater focus on engineeringstudy time. Initial training practices and policies.They embark on initial technical training at 8 Training Battalion (8 Trg Bn) REMEOpportunities for professional at MOD Lyneham in Wiltshire. This canregistration last up to 47 weeks and is broken intoAfter completion of the Class 1 course a number of modules beginning witha Tech Elec can apply for professional foundation mathematics through toregistration through the IET as an common engineering applications suchEngineering Technician (EngTech). This is as guided weapons. Culminating in theactively endorsed throughout the Army and practical application of fault finding, theseMOD and provides further opportunities for modules form the backbone of a Tech Elecsself-development. apprenticeship. Artificer training is the final technical career Frame Electrical Layout System (FELS)A training aid used First assignments course a Tech Elec will attend at 8 Trg Bnat 8 Trg Bn REME.If successful, they then obtain their firstand aims to further develop a persons assignment to an Army field unit. This cantechnical knowledge and skills to be a more vary greatly in location, role and equipmenteffective engineering manager. theyll be supporting. Training doesnt end thereas newly qualified Tech Elecs,This usually takes place after Class 1s have known as Class 3s, they must work underworked as electrical and electronic SMEs supervision for roughly six months whilewithin their particular units. Training lasts completing a trade proficiency development18 months and on completion a BSc in booklet and the final stages of theirelectronic systems engineering is awarded. apprenticeship. Theyre then awarded Class 2 status and a level 3 diploma in engineeringArtificer Electronics are employed in technology.varying roles including managing a multi- Trainees performing fault finding on an AS90.'