Army cadetship

Arkle90

Hello,

I just wanted to ask for a few.pointers on boards. I have completed my undergraduate degree in science related field, I was considering applying for a cadetship in the army next year. I wanted to ask if anyone on boards undertook a cadetship and what they thought of the whole process. Just wondering what is it like and what are the possible opportunities and scope to progress in the army as an officer once you have completed your initial training.

I am very interested in the army and would really appreciate hearing back from people who have experienced it and know about the process.

To be honest I'm also considering taking up an apprenticeship either. I think there's alot to be said for doing one and opportunities are improving in the current economy.

Any info would be great

Thanks.

eurokev

You sound like me a few years ago.

I went for a cadetship when still an undergraduate. To be brutally honest and not to sound bitter, it's probably the most closed shop in the world. Full of nepotism. It involved 2 days away if tests, fitness tests and interviews. I didn't make it you might gather. In the following years every single person I know who got the roles were children of people in the army. That's not to say all those who get it are but if the dozen or so I know, all are. The weakest guy by far on my training days actually got it. That's not to say don't try, but it's not a career for everyone. Lots of training, lots of being away, but good money and early retirement and pension.

I actually moved on to do an apprenticeship in e&I then after. I was luck to be very good at school and academically in general. So I was a bit apprehensive about doing an apprenticeship as the"guys who couldn't get in to college" did them. To be honest I couldn't have been more wrong. The content is nice and challenging and the industry is extremely extremely interesting. There is also huge money in it. I'm in the last year of my apprenticeship and earn more than most of my buddies who have technical degrees. I know guys who have easily cleared 100k by going abroad.

A lot depends on getting the right apprenticeship also. In my game you want to get with someone who will challenge and teach you. You want to avoid going to some contractor who will use you as a dogs body and have you pull cable for 4 years.

I also know guys I grew up with working as plumbers, car and air mechanics and making serious dough and not killing themselves. The trick is getting the right apprenticeship, which to be honest requires a lot of looking and luck because a lot of these are closed shops too. But working hard and really getting to know your trade too.

Best of luck

Arkle90

eurokev wrote: »

You sound like me a few years ago.

I went for a cadetship when still an undergraduate. To be brutally honest and not to sound bitter, it's probably the most closed shop in the world. Full of nepotism. It involved 2 days away if tests, fitness tests and interviews. I didn't make it you might gather. In the following years every single person I know who got the roles were children of people in the army. That's not to say all those who get it are but if the dozen or so I know, all are. The weakest guy by far on my training days actually got it. That's not to say don't try, but it's not a career for everyone. Lots of training, lots of being away, but good money and early retirement and pension.

I actually moved on to do an apprenticeship in e&I then after. I was luck to be very good at school and academically in general. So I was a bit apprehensive about doing an apprenticeship as the"guys who couldn't get in to college" did them. To be honest I couldn't have been more wrong. The content is nice and challenging and the industry is extremely extremely interesting. There is also huge money in it. I'm in the last year of my apprenticeship and earn more than most of my buddies who have technical degrees. I know guys who have easily cleared 100k by going abroad.

A lot depends on getting the right apprenticeship also. In my game you want to get with someone who will challenge and teach you. You want to avoid going to some contractor who will use you as a dogs body and have you pull cable for 4 years.

I also know guys I grew up with working as plumbers, car and air mechanics and making serious dough and not killing themselves. The trick is getting the right apprenticeship, which to be honest requires a lot of looking and luck because a lot of these are closed shops too. But working hard and really getting to know your trade too.

Best of luck

Thanks eurokev. I appreciate your response. I had similar thoughts in that the army could be a closed shop alright. I agree , j think there's alot to be said for apprenticeships, I certainly would be interested in electrician, I'd say some of the maths and physics is challenging but very interesting. Plus there's so much scope in the field id imagine.

I think I'll apply for everything and see what crops up.
I must say it's only till recently that I have realised how important apprenticeships are and how challenging and interesting they really can be if one has the right attitude and people around them.

Cheers!