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Applications are now being accepted for the roles of qualified Deck, Marine Engineer and System Engineer Officers for staggered start dates in year 2013/14.
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I came across this today in an official RFA communication. I don't know any more than that though, so if interested go contact the RFA. -
well I'm tempted by the systems engineering role but daunted by the recruitment process.Former TH cadet with experience of cruise ships, buoy tenders, research ships and oil tankers -
It was a crazy decision for the RFA to adopt/contract the officer recruitment process to the RN. I have heard it was down to certain senior personnel (now departed) who were very keen on the RFA being more like the RN.
The AIB is a millstone around RFA recruitment.Comment
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Exactly, if you wanted to do the AIB and go to Dartmouth, you'd join the RN as an officer."Crazy like wild wolves threatened by fire, send them all to the bottom of the sea."Comment
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As I have pointed out on here many times.Comment
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You may find it somewhat streamlined for qualified officers, though I expect the AIB is still in there. If you want an idea of SE wages, they are very similar to those I posted in the salaries topic, but top out at Chief Officer.Originally posted by chris View Post
If they can't get candidates, or can't get them to 'pass' the AIB, it will force change on the recruitment system. Retention has been the big issue of late, with recruitment on the back burner, but obviously they are starting to run out of bodies.
I would hesitate to join the RFA now. Morale is low (hence the retention issues) and the terms and conditions of service are continually being eroded. There are still some great benefits to the RFA - shore leave abroad, UK trips, UK crews, social life onboard, the public service elements - but you have to make a careful judgement as to whether these balance out the long trips, relatively poor leave, unspectacular pay, etc.
But perhaps it is a little different for those of us who have been in for a while, have seen the decline, and are aware of what we have lost, compared to fresh eyes coming in from another part of the industry.Comment
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Eh?Originally posted by Steve View PostI love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.....
All posts here represent my own opinion and not that of my employer.Comment
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Some people like engaging in work that helps others.Originally posted by GuinnessMan View PostComment
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How does the RFA do that again?Originally posted by Steve View PostI love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.....
All posts here represent my own opinion and not that of my employer.Comment
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Here is a very simple example for you:Originally posted by GuinnessMan View Post
There are many, many others, but I don't want you to be troubled by nuances of 'help'.
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I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.....
All posts here represent my own opinion and not that of my employer.Comment
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I was busy supporting counter-piracy operations in another part of the world at that time.Originally posted by GuinnessMan View PostComment
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Steve,
As an aspirant RFA Officer Cadet - would you be able to go into more details around the lack of retention in the RFA. Is this ratings, officers or both and what is causing it?'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans'Comment
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Because its suffering under the unrealistic civil service cutbacks which appear to be misaligned with the greater maritime industry conditions. I would have jumped at a job with the RFA as recently as 3 or 4 years ago, now I see friends leaving there for better salaries and conditions elsewhere.
I still reckon from an outsiders view that it is a great place for cadet training, some very skilled people and good training system.Comment
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Primarily officers. Ratings in the RFA are on a good number and generally know it, whilst never ceasing to complain about how bad it is. RFA ratings are paid significantly more than they could expect to earn in other sectors of the industry or in an equivalent job ashore.Originally posted by Blondie View Post
Officers pay and conditions on the other hand have slid backwards, never mind keeping pace with the commercial competition, and therefore officers are leaving in droves for the commercial sector. Creeping navalisation has led more to feel marginalised, and the conduct and results of recent promotion boards has lit up a few other signals.
However, for cadets the RFA still pays the most and offers the best training, a lot of fun, and a good social environment. I may not recommend a career in the RFA today, but I can still recommend an RFA cadetship.Comment
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