Graduates and young professionals in the United Kingdom may have a misconception of the life of defence workers from media depiction’s. The secret agents and spies familiar to them in television shows and movies are manufactured to bring excitement to the public. However, defence workers often need to be very deliberate and patient in their actions, unlike the reactive heroes of the telly. Young workers entering the defence industry in the United Kingdom need to understand the skills needed to succeed well into the future.
One of the keys to success in the defence industry is to stay informed on every aspect of the industrial sector. Defence contractors, military personnel, and other defence professionals need to be intimately aware of their own job responsibilities. However, the difference between an average defence professional and an exceptional one is the ability to develop a sophisticated understanding of the entire defence structure.
Great defence workers succeed in their jobs by reading up on the latest news, government policies, and technological developments in the UK and areas under the influence of UK defence forces. In this way, they can be conversant with supervisors and build the knowledge necessary for additional responsibilities.
Another important factor in a successful defence career is the ability to be discreet in communications. Indeed, many defence professionals in the UK are entrusted with information that is classified, secret, or otherwise meant for the eyes of only a few people. The ability to maintain confidential information over a long period, not just a few days, is vital for keeping a job in the defence industry. However, successful professionals also need to be tight lipped about many of the details of their work to people outside of their office. The defence industry is competitive and even the most innocuous remarks in passing can be picked up on by a bystander who may work for a competitor.
A final factor in the success or failure of a defence worker is the ability to work in a variety of different settings. Defence workers often have to travel, either within a region or around the world, in order to oversee the performance of the UK defence structure. As well, defence workers may alternate between group, partner, and individual work in their daily work. Defence professionals need to be able to handle diversity and a dynamic work environment, considering the ever-changing world of UK defence.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Finding a job in the defence sector
The defence sector is certainly one of the most important and lucrative sectors in the economy. Employers within the sector particularly have a high demand for professionals in the field of aviation engineering and construction. The fact is that the job market is one where constant communication between employers and potential candidates is of paramount importance. Without this, it becomes increasingly difficult for candidates to know what opportunities are available and for employers to match the skills of potential candidates with their current job vacancies. This is where the assistance of an experienced recruitment firm is required. Unfortunately, there are not many recruitment firms which have adequate expertise and experiencing within the defence sector job market. In fact, very few firms specialize in this area of recruitment. All this means that Wynnwith is certainly one of the recruitment companies with a difference. This is because the company has over 60 years of experience in providing effective recruitment solutions to the defence sector.
They have successfully deployed their recruitment techniques to a number of high profile defence/aviation companies in the UK and all over the globe. As such, Wynnwith is regarded as one of the leading companies for defence recruitment. This accolade is by no means an exaggeration when one considers that their clientele base includes companies such Airbus, Rolls Royce, GKN, Ministry of Defence and a host of other companies. There is no doubt that patronizing Wynnwith's services is the first step to finding a suitable recruitment role. Furthermore, their team of REC trained recruitment consultants have many years of experience and an excellent track record for providing top notch candidate client services. They certainly have the specialist knowledge in recruitment advice and guidance. So, whether you are looking for an engineering or construction role within the defence industry, Wynnwith has what it takes to provide a successful recruitment outcome.
They have successfully deployed their recruitment techniques to a number of high profile defence/aviation companies in the UK and all over the globe. As such, Wynnwith is regarded as one of the leading companies for defence recruitment. This accolade is by no means an exaggeration when one considers that their clientele base includes companies such Airbus, Rolls Royce, GKN, Ministry of Defence and a host of other companies. There is no doubt that patronizing Wynnwith's services is the first step to finding a suitable recruitment role. Furthermore, their team of REC trained recruitment consultants have many years of experience and an excellent track record for providing top notch candidate client services. They certainly have the specialist knowledge in recruitment advice and guidance. So, whether you are looking for an engineering or construction role within the defence industry, Wynnwith has what it takes to provide a successful recruitment outcome.
Working for the MOD
The ministry of defence has many career options for individuals who possess the required skills and experience. Nowadays, many individuals are choosing to work for the ministry of defence, because many have realized that the ministry of defence can offer them a rewarding and fulfilling career. Though there is a vast array of job opportunities within the ministry of defence, employers within this sector have a high demand particularly for engineering and IT professionals. As with finding jobs in most key sectors of the economy, applicants will invariably need the assistance of a specialist recruitment firm in order to secure the most suitable roles. Quanta is certainly a good example of a recruitment agency, which has the expertise and specialist knowledge required for finding candidates well-matched roles within a variety of industries. When Quanta was established in 1992, the company mainly specialized in providing effective IT solutions to the finance and telecommunications sectors.
However, from the start of the millennium year, due to the success they achieved and for competitive reasons, Quanta opted to provide its recruitment services to other key sectors of the economy such as the engineering, insurance and sales sectors. This means that Quanta has the experience and resources to help not just their engineering and IT candidates with finding jobs within the ministry of defence, but a range of other candidates as well. Quanta's team of experienced recruitment consultants also have a good track record of providing excellent customer service. This implies that they are capable of providing expert advice and guidance when it comes to ministry of defence jobs recruiting. Regardless of what vertical market a candidate has chosen, or whether they are looking for a permanent or contract role within the ministry of defence, Quanta can increase their chances of employment success.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that Quanta enjoys a distinct edge over other recruitment agencies because they utilize some of the most sophisticated and advanced back office tools within the recruitment industry. This gives Quanta and Quanta's clients a competitive edge over other recruitment firms and their clients. Once Quanta has secured a suitable role for a candidate within the ministry of defence, Quanta will enroll them on to their candidate care program. This program was designed to ensure that all their candidates make immediate positive impact and progress within their new job placement
However, from the start of the millennium year, due to the success they achieved and for competitive reasons, Quanta opted to provide its recruitment services to other key sectors of the economy such as the engineering, insurance and sales sectors. This means that Quanta has the experience and resources to help not just their engineering and IT candidates with finding jobs within the ministry of defence, but a range of other candidates as well. Quanta's team of experienced recruitment consultants also have a good track record of providing excellent customer service. This implies that they are capable of providing expert advice and guidance when it comes to ministry of defence jobs recruiting. Regardless of what vertical market a candidate has chosen, or whether they are looking for a permanent or contract role within the ministry of defence, Quanta can increase their chances of employment success.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that Quanta enjoys a distinct edge over other recruitment agencies because they utilize some of the most sophisticated and advanced back office tools within the recruitment industry. This gives Quanta and Quanta's clients a competitive edge over other recruitment firms and their clients. Once Quanta has secured a suitable role for a candidate within the ministry of defence, Quanta will enroll them on to their candidate care program. This program was designed to ensure that all their candidates make immediate positive impact and progress within their new job placement
UK Defence Jobs
Graduates and young professionals in the United Kingdom may have a misconception of the life of defence workers from media depiction's. The secret agents and spies familiar to them in television shows and movies are manufactured to bring excitement to the public. However, defence workers often need to be very deliberate and patient in their actions, unlike the reactive heroes of the telly. Young workers entering the defence industry in the United Kingdom need to understand the skills needed to succeed well into the future. One of the keys to success in the defence industry is to stay informed on every aspect of the industrial sector. Defence contractors, military personnel, and other defence professionals need to be intimately aware of their own job responsibilities. However, the difference between an average defence professional and an exceptional one is the ability to develop a sophisticated understanding of the entire defence structure. Great defence workers succeed in their jobs by reading up on the latest news, government policies, and technological developments in the UK and areas under the influence of UK defence forces. In this way, they can be conversant with supervisors and build the knowledge necessary for additional responsibilities.Another important factor in a successful defence career is the ability to be discreet in communications. Indeed, many defence professionals in the UK are entrusted with information that is classified secret, or otherwise meant for the eyes of only a few people. The ability to maintain confidential information over a long period, not just a few days, is vital for keeping a job in the defence industry. However, successful professionals also need to be tight lipped about many of the details of their work to people outside of their office. The defence industry is competitive and even the most innocuous remarks in passing can be picked up on by a bystander who may work for a competitor.
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A final factor in the success or failure of a defence worker is the ability to work in a variety of different settings. Defence workers often have to travel, either within a region or around the world, in order to oversee the performance of the UK defence structure. As well, defence workers may alternate between group, partner, and individual work in their daily work. Defence professionals need to be able to handle diversity and a dynamic work environment, considering the ever-changing world of UK defence.
window.google_render_ad();
A final factor in the success or failure of a defence worker is the ability to work in a variety of different settings. Defence workers often have to travel, either within a region or around the world, in order to oversee the performance of the UK defence structure. As well, defence workers may alternate between group, partner, and individual work in their daily work. Defence professionals need to be able to handle diversity and a dynamic work environment, considering the ever-changing world of UK defence.
MOD Jobs
They can be deployed throughout the UK at any one of over 100 MOD units or establishments, or on an international tour of duty. At any one time, 75 per cent of the force is deployed on armed duties. In addition, the force supplies uniformed (unarmed) policing, especially at larger MOD bases, protecting the families who live and work in the defence community.
MDP officers can apply to join one of the force's specialist units, including:
the MDP Fraud Squad
Marine Units
the Operational Support Unit
the Special Escort Group
International Deployment
Police Dogs.
Operational MDP officers usually work 12 hour shift patterns including nights, weekends and public holidays. They work in a wide range of outdoor and indoor conditions and situations.
Salaries for constables range from approximately £19,700 for those starting training, to around £29,000 a year.
MDP officers must be:
good communicators, self-disciplined and confident
capable of making clear, fast judgements under intense pressure
vigilant at all times, even during long periods of inactivity
able to work well in a team
flexible, prepared to relocate at short notice.
The MDP employs around 3,400 officers. Applicants must be British citizens aged 18 or over and have lived in the UK for the last five years. There are no set educational requirements. Selection of applicants involves completing a competency-based questionnaire, attending a two-day assessment centre for a written exercise, an interview, four interactive exercises, a firearms assessment and physical fitness test. Medicals follow for successful applicants.
New recruits complete a two-year probationary period, which includes training on legislation, MDP policies and procedures, and learning core operational skills. Officers undertake and must pass the MDP's firearms training course.
Promotion to the ranks of sergeant, inspector, chief inspector and senior ranks is possible. Some train in more specialised firearms roles
MDP officers can apply to join one of the force's specialist units, including:
the MDP Fraud Squad
Marine Units
the Operational Support Unit
the Special Escort Group
International Deployment
Police Dogs.
Operational MDP officers usually work 12 hour shift patterns including nights, weekends and public holidays. They work in a wide range of outdoor and indoor conditions and situations.
Salaries for constables range from approximately £19,700 for those starting training, to around £29,000 a year.
MDP officers must be:
good communicators, self-disciplined and confident
capable of making clear, fast judgements under intense pressure
vigilant at all times, even during long periods of inactivity
able to work well in a team
flexible, prepared to relocate at short notice.
The MDP employs around 3,400 officers. Applicants must be British citizens aged 18 or over and have lived in the UK for the last five years. There are no set educational requirements. Selection of applicants involves completing a competency-based questionnaire, attending a two-day assessment centre for a written exercise, an interview, four interactive exercises, a firearms assessment and physical fitness test. Medicals follow for successful applicants.
New recruits complete a two-year probationary period, which includes training on legislation, MDP policies and procedures, and learning core operational skills. Officers undertake and must pass the MDP's firearms training course.
Promotion to the ranks of sergeant, inspector, chief inspector and senior ranks is possible. Some train in more specialised firearms roles
Defence weapons building
Faced with a national economic crisis and a new president, the defense industry is itself playing defense. Its latest lobbying message: Weapons systems are not just instruments of national security, they are vital jobs programs.
One big new ad features a boldly soaring bald eagle and declares, "Of course America's economy can take off again. It already has a strong pair of wings."
The ad, recently run in Washington-area newspapers and journals, is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, whose members include the country's top makers of aircraft and their components. Its message is one that many lobbyists and other defense-industry representatives are emphasizing: Do not even think of cutting our programs and the workers' jobs they provide.
With President Barack Obama intent on winding down the Iraq war and eventually rolling back federal deficits, the industry is worried about taking too big a share of budget cuts. Just Tuesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that the Pentagon will not be able to "do everything, buy everything" in more austere times. The White House Web site warns the administration plans a review of major defense programs "in light of current needs."
"There's so much uncertainty in the defense industry with what will happen with the new administration," said Pete Steffes, vice president for government policy with the National Defense Industrial Association, which represents large and small defense firms.
Today in Americas
For many in the industry and their supporters in Congress, emphasizing jobs is always a timely argument. "Right now it's particularly potent," said Lawrence J. Korb, a former Pentagon official now a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress.
"Our industry is ready and able to lead the way out of the economic crisis," said Fred Downey, a vice president of the Aerospace Industry Association, which says defense and aerospace manufacturers contribute $97 billion in exports a year and 2 million jobs. Its message translates to "Don't hurt this industry" by cutting its programs to pay for stimulating other parts of the economy, he said.
The defense sector spent $148 million lobbying last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent group that monitors influence in Washington. Officials, employees and political action committees from defense companies contributed an additional $24 million to presidential and congressional candidates and political parties during the 2007-2008 campaign cycle.
At stake are big chunks of the Defense Department's nearly $700 billion annual budget, which includes almost $200 billion for weapons and equipment purchases and for research and development.
While the government keeps no precise data on private-sector defense jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 647,000 people work in industries where at least a fifth of the products are related to defense production. Estimates from the defense industry itself run even higher. With the wounded economy shedding half a million jobs a month, members of Congress and their aides say they hear the jobs argument all the time.
"They're trying to get with the program," said Democratic Rep. Jim Moran, referring to the focus on the economy. "It's an extremely smart strategy, and it's very successful."
Among those relying heavily on the jobs argument are defenders of Lockheed-Martin Corp.'s F-22, who want to influence an imminent Obama administration decision whether to buy more of the stealth fighter jets.
In recent days, 44 senators and 191 House members signed letters to Obama urging him to continue F-22 production. While both letters cited the aircraft's importance to national security, they also said more than 25,000 people work for the program's suppliers in 44 states.
"As we face one of the most trying economic times in recent history, it is critical to preserve existing high-paying, specialized jobs that are critical to our nation's defense," the Senate letter said.
To buttress that message, an ad sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Lockheed-Martin has run on Washington-area radio, arguing, "Keeping the F-22 running strong supports economic stability and national security."
In a similar effort, members of Congress wrote Obama last month asking him to start adding 12 Navy ships a year, double the recent rate. Although the letters discussed national security, they also said the U.S. shipbuilding industry employs more than 400,000 people in 47 states and added: "Thousands of jobs would be created in the United States with a renewed commitment to weapons building
One big new ad features a boldly soaring bald eagle and declares, "Of course America's economy can take off again. It already has a strong pair of wings."
The ad, recently run in Washington-area newspapers and journals, is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, whose members include the country's top makers of aircraft and their components. Its message is one that many lobbyists and other defense-industry representatives are emphasizing: Do not even think of cutting our programs and the workers' jobs they provide.
With President Barack Obama intent on winding down the Iraq war and eventually rolling back federal deficits, the industry is worried about taking too big a share of budget cuts. Just Tuesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that the Pentagon will not be able to "do everything, buy everything" in more austere times. The White House Web site warns the administration plans a review of major defense programs "in light of current needs."
"There's so much uncertainty in the defense industry with what will happen with the new administration," said Pete Steffes, vice president for government policy with the National Defense Industrial Association, which represents large and small defense firms.
Today in Americas
For many in the industry and their supporters in Congress, emphasizing jobs is always a timely argument. "Right now it's particularly potent," said Lawrence J. Korb, a former Pentagon official now a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress.
"Our industry is ready and able to lead the way out of the economic crisis," said Fred Downey, a vice president of the Aerospace Industry Association, which says defense and aerospace manufacturers contribute $97 billion in exports a year and 2 million jobs. Its message translates to "Don't hurt this industry" by cutting its programs to pay for stimulating other parts of the economy, he said.
The defense sector spent $148 million lobbying last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent group that monitors influence in Washington. Officials, employees and political action committees from defense companies contributed an additional $24 million to presidential and congressional candidates and political parties during the 2007-2008 campaign cycle.
At stake are big chunks of the Defense Department's nearly $700 billion annual budget, which includes almost $200 billion for weapons and equipment purchases and for research and development.
While the government keeps no precise data on private-sector defense jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 647,000 people work in industries where at least a fifth of the products are related to defense production. Estimates from the defense industry itself run even higher. With the wounded economy shedding half a million jobs a month, members of Congress and their aides say they hear the jobs argument all the time.
"They're trying to get with the program," said Democratic Rep. Jim Moran, referring to the focus on the economy. "It's an extremely smart strategy, and it's very successful."
Among those relying heavily on the jobs argument are defenders of Lockheed-Martin Corp.'s F-22, who want to influence an imminent Obama administration decision whether to buy more of the stealth fighter jets.
In recent days, 44 senators and 191 House members signed letters to Obama urging him to continue F-22 production. While both letters cited the aircraft's importance to national security, they also said more than 25,000 people work for the program's suppliers in 44 states.
"As we face one of the most trying economic times in recent history, it is critical to preserve existing high-paying, specialized jobs that are critical to our nation's defense," the Senate letter said.
To buttress that message, an ad sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Lockheed-Martin has run on Washington-area radio, arguing, "Keeping the F-22 running strong supports economic stability and national security."
In a similar effort, members of Congress wrote Obama last month asking him to start adding 12 Navy ships a year, double the recent rate. Although the letters discussed national security, they also said the U.S. shipbuilding industry employs more than 400,000 people in 47 states and added: "Thousands of jobs would be created in the United States with a renewed commitment to weapons building
Defence Job Losses
The defence company Raytheon has said some members of staff may lose their jobs as part of a review of their operation in Londonderry.
The firm said its office lease is at a "unique point" and it is assessing the size and productivity of its facility.
A spokesman for the company said there could be redundancies or redeployments.
Raytheon currently employs 33 staff at its offices in the science and technology park on the Buncrana Road in Derry.
Liam Gallagher from Derry Trades Council said it was a worrying development.
"Obviously workers will now already be looking round elsewhere, but opportunities are few and far between.
"How much of this is down to the company's strategic global plans I don't know, and how much of it is down to the very vociferous campaign against the company locally?"
The firm said its office lease is at a "unique point" and it is assessing the size and productivity of its facility.
A spokesman for the company said there could be redundancies or redeployments.
Raytheon currently employs 33 staff at its offices in the science and technology park on the Buncrana Road in Derry.
Liam Gallagher from Derry Trades Council said it was a worrying development.
"Obviously workers will now already be looking round elsewhere, but opportunities are few and far between.
"How much of this is down to the company's strategic global plans I don't know, and how much of it is down to the very vociferous campaign against the company locally?"
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