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Job Role
Communications and Information Systems Specialist (CIS)
Job Role

Communications and Information Systems Specialist (CIS)

You’ll be in the thick of the action, in charge of the cutting-edge communication systems that are essential to global operations.

EngineeringITCommunicationsApprenticeships
  • £25,000 - £62,000
  • No qualifications
  • Surface Fleet
  • Engineering
  • Rating level

At a glance

This job sits within the Engineering Profession and is an Engineering Rating role. This role puts you in the thick of the action, transmitting and receiving crucial messages. You’re constantly relied upon by your Commanding Officer, who uses the information you provide to make key strategic decisions.

£25,200

What you will get paid from day one

Zero

Qualifications needed

£62,000

Earn over this amount as your progress

NVQ's

Get funding towards qualifications

6 weeks

Of paid holiday every year

Travel

All around the world
cis
I've travelled all over the world, doing what i love. My role is vital to keeping the ship communicating with our colleagues ashore and afloat, whilst also making sure that my shipmates can keep in touch with their families back home. 

Lucy

Communications Specialist

Role details

What you’ll do

Being an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Specialist means that you are always in the thick of the action working as an Online Network Engineer at the heart of every mission solving complex issues, enabling the secure exchange of mission critical and often Top-Secret information. It is your responsibility to administer and provide specialist communications and IT equipment including classified information and cryptographic material to guarantee Operational Capability is delivered to the Command.

Your role

  • CIS Specialists will keep military Task Groups of warships and F35B aircraft communicating in the Battlespace via any possible means.
  • Operate sophisticated global networked information systems, so you’re always able to receive communications that are crucial to the day-to-day operation of the ship.
  • Work with your team to take responsibility for the ship’s complex data-processing network systems, including the internet and satellite, placing you at the heart of tactical and strategic communications.
  • Find a solution to whatever problem comes your way, working with your team in challenging environments and high-pressure situations.

Pay & benefits

  • A starting salary of £25,200, rising to over £62,000 as your career progresses
  • Adventurous training - from skiing to diving
  • Wide range of benefits including a House Purchase Scheme
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year plus bank holidays
  • Free medical and dental care
  • Access to superb sport and fitness facilities
  • Subsidised travel and accommodation
  • Excellent pension scheme

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Professional qualifications including a Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship in IT.

The opportunity to gain

  • Study for GCSEs, then A-Levels in subjects including English, Maths and Science. 
  • Or choose, NVQs like IT Systems, User Skills or Office Administration. 
  • Eventually, you can work toward a degree like Information Systems.

Skills you'll develop

  • Learn to operate and maintain sophisticated communications equipment, including global radio and satellite systems.
  • Build practical skills like thinking on your feet to find a solution if a problem arises.
  • Become the ultimate team player, working with your colleagues in the Engineering branch to keep the ship operational, and collaborating with your crewmates on other projects.
 

Eligibility

  • You need to be aged between 16 to 39
  • No qualifications are required for this role
  • You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
  • You must have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously prior to application
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)

Skills & Interests

  • A quick thinker, with a passion for working with the latest equipment and technology
  • A problem-solver, with a common sense approach, who can work well as part of a team
  • A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
  • Enthusiasm for networks, information systems and communications

Joining Process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

Step 1

Submit an application

Once you’ve registered your interest in a Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form.

Step 2

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension. You will need to attempt all sections of the DAA.

To help you prepare, you can practise the DAA.

Practise the DAA
Step 3

Interview

A formal Selection Interview to confirm suitability of your chosen Profession followed by discussion of your preferred roles that are available within that Profession, including Submarine Service It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform.

Step 4

Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, which includes assessments of your Fitness and your Medical eligibility, it is a pass or fail course.

Step 5

Start training

Once you’ve passed all eligibility criteria, including a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh to commence your initial training. Allocation to a specific role within your chosen profession will occur during the latter part of initial training.

Career Progression

From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Phase one training
10 weeks at HMS Raleigh, learning basic military skills
Phase two training
Develop your professional skills, learn about our equipment
First two years
Consolidate your skills in the maritime environment
First Promotion - Leading Hand
Take charge of a section, lead and develop a team
Second promotion – Petty Officer
Oversee vital equipment as a head of a section

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