Does training to be a multi-skilled soldier, combat engineer and tradesman, to work on construction sites globally in a military environment interest you? If so, read on to find out all about the Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician and how it could kickstart your career in construction.
Jobs and entry criteria
The Military Engineering Construction Technician apprenticeship provides a plethora of opportunities for you to learn the skills required to not only operate in a potentially hostile environment but also to gain a qualification recognised by the Construction Industry training board (CITB) – enabling you to work on civilian construction sites, if you were to decide the military wasn’t for you.
Entering this role makes you a Royal Engineer with the option of going into any of the following construction related trades: Carpenter & Joiner, Bricklayer and Concreter, Building and Structural Finisher, Plumbing and Heating Engineer or Plant Operator & Mechanic.
This is an incredibly unique opportunity and provides you with a solid foundation in order to start your construction related career. All that’s left is the entry requirements: All soldiers entering onto one of the three options are required to have successfully completed phase 1 basic military training and phase 2A combat engineering training. You will also need to take or already have Level 2 English and Maths before your End-Point Assessment.
Key responsibilities and duties of Military Engineering Construction Technician (M.E.C.T)
Arguably, one of the best parts of an apprenticeship is getting to have duties on a job that you may not ordinarily get without lots more industry experience. This apprenticeship is no different, with some incredibly exciting duties and roles to partake in, during your time on the apprenticeship. Another benefit of doing these tasks is that they actually tick off competencies that are required to complete the apprenticeship. Here’s the kind of thing you’ll get up to in your core role:
- Undertake combat engineer tasks to support the formation requirements
- Carry out all combat engineering tasks safely and with due consideration for others, using necessary protective equipment and guiding unloading tasks
- Ensure all tasks meet the requirements laid down in any instructions/plans and that tasks meet any budgets set
- Deal with injuries appropriate to their severity
- Be prepared to take responsibility in cases where others are unable to continue with tasks adapting to the environment accordingly
- Communicate clearly at all levels ensuring the message has been understood
These are just your core responsibilities. Depending on which option you choose to pursue, you could find yourself partaking in some of the following:
- Undertake bricklaying and concreting tasks as instructed ensuring the final product meets the requirements and comes in on budget
- Undertake plumbing and heating tasks as instructed ensuring the final product meets the requirements and comes in on budget
- Operate plant machines as instructed in a safe and efficient manner
Level 3 M.E.C.T Competencies
The competencies you tick off during your 18 month training period vary according to the option you choose, below are some competencies that you may need to tick off in your role:
- Knowledge: The different techniques and methods used to move, handle and store resources in the workplace and be aware of potential hazards involved with these resources
- Knowledge: Safety aspects and rules regarding the use of explosive and delivery of basic demolitions
- Knowledge: Engineering principles to repair existing masonry structures to render them safe and prevent further collapse
- Skills: Use personal protective equipment relevant to the task and the tactical situation
- Skills: Demonstrate compliance with given information and relevant legislation in relation to the safe use of access equipment, safe handling of materials, safe use and storage of materials, tools, equipment and ancillaries
- Skills: Finish concrete to the given working instructions for concrete slabs/bases (footing, oversites or paths), form slab edging, position reinforcement and form surface finish (tamped, floated, brushed and trowelled
- Behaviours: An alert and tactical awareness prior to, during and after any construction project in a hostile environment and be able to adapt to a changing environment
- Behaviours: The initiative to adapt, develop and overcome any situation that may arise during a task whilst maintaining a military approach
- Behaviours: A strong Team spirit and Corps values
Conclusion
As you can see, the Level 3 Military Engineering Construction Technician apprenticeship is a tremendous starting point for anyone looking to get a head start as a Royal Engineer or most construction based careers. The core skills you learn are incredibly valuable and put you in a great position to advance your career. Upon completion of their military service all servicemen and women have access to transitional modules and courses to assist them as they move into civilian life. These include – but are not limited to – refresher and progression courses related to their specific trade. Military servicemen and women are highly sought-after by civilian trade organisations due to the breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours they bring from their time in the military.
More info here – https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/military-engineering-construction-technician/