Apprentice Communications Information Systems
Using highly sophisticated equipment, it’ll be your job to guarantee the safe communication of operationally-vital information.
- GCSEs
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Engineering
- Rating level
Leave
Free
Pay
£19,846 Starting Salary During Training
Pension
Learn
Travel

My role is massively varied job with loads of different digital communications to deliver. Along with the nature of the traveling, it means the job changes every day.
Role details
What you’ll do
As an Apprentice Communications Information Systems, it’s your job to guarantee the transmission and receipt of messages that are pivotal to our Replenishment at Sea operations. It’s a civilian role, but one that contributes to protecting our nation’s interests. From the moment you join you’ll gain hands-on experience with some of our most sophisticated equipment, learning how to use everything from message handling systems to satellite links, and embarking on a truly exhilarating career.
Your role
- Take your place within a professional ship’s company, working alongside senior officers from all branches to transmit and receive crucial information. You might be requesting essential supplies one day, and giving Royal Navy ships your estimated time of arrival the next
- Use complex equipment to help the ship perform its essential role. That means working with everything from high-speed data, to the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)
- Outside of the Ops Room, you’ll have crucial duties to perform as part of the ship’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and being a member of the damage control team
Pay & benefits
- £19,846 Starting Salary During Training
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 7 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
Skills for life
- An in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art communications systems
- Reliability and accuracy when transmitting vital messages
Eligibility
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit.
- Entry requirements GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in UK. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply.
- Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket
Skills & interests
- A passion for the latest technology
- Great at working as part of a team
- First-class communication
- A sense of adventure
Joining process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Eligibility
Defence Aptitude Assessment
Sift
Training
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