Number 1 Radio School
Encyclopedia
Number 1 Radio School is currently based at RAF Cosford
and forms part of the Defence College of Communications and Information Systems
.
and its roots can be traced back to the Royal Flying Corps
School for Wireless Operators which formed in 1915. Originally known as No. 1 Signals School, on 1 January 1943 the school was renamed No. 1 Radio School.
It was based at RAF Locking
between 1950 and 1999 when it was disbanded to form part of Number 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford
. It was reformed on 2 April 2003 and incorporates the Aerial Erector School at RAF Digby
. More details of its history are available on this page of the Cranwell
Apprentices Association web site.
As an ICT Technician, you could find yourself working on an airfield, in an underground bunker, office or workshop. Latest generation aircraft are as reliant on information flow as they are on fuel – and it could be your job to set up, operate and maintain the mission and ground support systems that enable the Typhoon aircraft to complete its mission.
There is also potential for extensive overseas travel, helping to set up deployable communications and control systems, sensors and navigation aids for operations and exercises.
Training
After up to 11 weeks of recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, you will undertake an 11-month specialist training course at No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton. This course will prepare you for your first tour, giving you relevant skills and experiences ranging from radar and radio principles to network administration and security. You'll also be trained in health and safety, and in the skills needed to deploy and maintain the RAF’s communications systems and information networks.
Qualifications
No 1 Radio School is a Microsoft- and Cisco-accredited academy, and the training you will receive is recognised by a wide range of civilian employers and backed by transferable qualifications. As an ICT Technician, you will be enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies during your specialist training. You'll go on to the BTEC National Award in Communications Electronic Engineering/Technology at Level 3 and you’ll also be able to start the Communications Technology Professional Level 3 NVQ, which can be completed in the workplace during your first tour.
RAF Cosford
RAF Cosford is a Royal Air Force station in Cosford, Shropshire, just to the northwest of Wolverhampton and next to Albrighton.-History:...
and forms part of the Defence College of Communications and Information Systems
Defence College of Communications and Information Systems
The Defence College of Communications and Information Systems was formed on 1 April 2004 as one of 6 United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Training Establishments introduced to deliver coherent and cost effective training across defence...
.
History
The unit pre-dates the formation of the Royal Air ForceRoyal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
and its roots can be traced back to the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
School for Wireless Operators which formed in 1915. Originally known as No. 1 Signals School, on 1 January 1943 the school was renamed No. 1 Radio School.
It was based at RAF Locking
Raf locking
RAF Locking was a Royal Air Force base at Locking just outside Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England.Slightly north of the base is the site of Locking Castle a motte and bailey castle on Carberry Hill...
between 1950 and 1999 when it was disbanded to form part of Number 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford
RAF Cosford
RAF Cosford is a Royal Air Force station in Cosford, Shropshire, just to the northwest of Wolverhampton and next to Albrighton.-History:...
. It was reformed on 2 April 2003 and incorporates the Aerial Erector School at RAF Digby
RAF Digby
RAF Digby is a Royal Air Force station which, since March 2005, has been operated by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Service Signals Organisation, part of the Intelligence Collection Group. Formerly a training and fighter airfield, it is currently a tri-service military signals installation located...
. More details of its history are available on this page of the Cranwell
RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire close to the village of Cranwell, near Sleaford. It is currently commanded by Group Captain Dave Waddington...
Apprentices Association web site.
Task
ICT Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of complex systems, from long-range search radar to aircraft mission and ground support systems, airfield navigation aids to local area networks. Each of these plays a vital part in processing and communicating the information needed to support effective air operations on a global scale.As an ICT Technician, you could find yourself working on an airfield, in an underground bunker, office or workshop. Latest generation aircraft are as reliant on information flow as they are on fuel – and it could be your job to set up, operate and maintain the mission and ground support systems that enable the Typhoon aircraft to complete its mission.
There is also potential for extensive overseas travel, helping to set up deployable communications and control systems, sensors and navigation aids for operations and exercises.
Training
After up to 11 weeks of recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, you will undertake an 11-month specialist training course at No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton. This course will prepare you for your first tour, giving you relevant skills and experiences ranging from radar and radio principles to network administration and security. You'll also be trained in health and safety, and in the skills needed to deploy and maintain the RAF’s communications systems and information networks.
Qualifications
No 1 Radio School is a Microsoft- and Cisco-accredited academy, and the training you will receive is recognised by a wide range of civilian employers and backed by transferable qualifications. As an ICT Technician, you will be enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Communications Technologies during your specialist training. You'll go on to the BTEC National Award in Communications Electronic Engineering/Technology at Level 3 and you’ll also be able to start the Communications Technology Professional Level 3 NVQ, which can be completed in the workplace during your first tour.