I received a letter yesterday from my AFCO which stated that due to the RAF recently down sizing in staffing numbers, no trade will be open until April 05 very earliest. It also stated that due to the amount of applicants there will now be a COMPETITION for places for those still interested in joining.
Have any other applicants received this letter?.
The word competition makes the whole recruitment process sound a bit random and almost "luck of the draw".
Maybe it's the RAF's way of wittling down the numbers by seeing who will drop out at this stage.
Many other applicants will have recieved that letter this week.
What difficulty do you have understanding the word 'competition'?
It is certainly not 'luck of the draw'. The previous system was basically 'first past the post' - with limited vacancies, it was entirely a case of applying at the right time. Obviously that was unfair and very much down to 'luck of the draw'.
The new system reflects the fact that there are more applicants than there are places. It is now no longer simply a case of passing the test, medical and interview. You will do all of that, and then your scores will be compared against the other applicants wanting that trade. The best of the applicants will get the places on training courses.
One of those type of competition letters got posted through my door a couple of days ago. The way i look at it, is that as they have to make cuts so in the mean time they can't employ as many people, which is fair enough.
To make some of these cuts in the applications without spending extra money I think they are going to look at the score you achieved on the tests and look at the application form you have given them, whoever are the best go through. Then from there they will call you in for a medical and a interview.
I don't really know if thats what there exactly doing but thats what i am guessing as it will cost them time and money to give people medicals and going into interviews to decide whos staying or not.
Just thought I'd stick my twopence worth in; Competition for places has never been higher due to the recently announced manpower cuts. From what I have heard this applies to every trade, both ranks and Officers.
Basically, make sure you can tick all of the boxes with regards to qualifications, background, outdoor and club activities. If thats not enough, just make sure that you perform well at every stage of the selection process !.
To give you an idea of how long it takes to get through the system I have been on the go since November of last year when I went to the officer presentation. This was followed by a seven month wait to get to do OASC and I am still waiting to hear if I have got in.
So, if you really want the RAF, be patient, be good and make sure you as fit as possible.
Hey biggles, my understanding of the word competition is correct, the recent letter from my AFCO was worded in a way which made the competition for places sound a bit random thats all. I think Sharon's view on the letter sounds about right.
With this being my first time applying for the RAF i'm really eager for things to happen but like 2nd time round said, if you want it bad then your just gonna have to be real patient as frustrating as it may be!.
The initial sift will be based on test scores, followed by interview score (yes, you get a 'score'). After that, they will look at what you wrote in your application forms (hope you spent some time writing them and remembered to 'sell yourself').
This situation is expected to remain until at least the end of 2006 for the majority of the trades.
My letter which devestated me said my trade wont open unitll 2006! I first went to the AFCO to apply in January, did my test in March and since then just been told to wait for the trade to open. "It will open in the Summer" I was told then "It will open in January 2005", so I was kinda gettin excited I really cant wait to get in. Then this letter came, its going to be 2 1/2 years at least from my time of application to hopefully, finally getting in.
Although Im very dissapointed Im trying to use my time wisely, getting fitter and sorting out an old but serious niggling injury so ill be 100% when i do finally get in.
Using time wisely sounds like a good idea, i'm in the same position as you as i'm trying to get my ankle strong again after suffering quite a serious sprain, it's been 4 months now and it's still far from right.
Going for aircraft technician, i assume the restreaming of existing technicians hasnt help speed up the application process any, but hey patience is a virtue and all that.
Ive had a bad break in my wrist and had a titanium plate inserted, so at the moment im struggling for press ups and chin ups etc, but getting there.
