How to get on the naval job ladder

A career in navy or maritime technology is rewarding and varied, frequently involving overseas placements and the pleasure of working with some of the most advanced cutting edge technology on the planet. For a candidate to obtain successful entry into this field a combination of the right qualifications and life experience is vital.

Opportunities

Those seeking job opportunities in naval technology will have a considerable choice of technology-based areas to enter. Navy technology covers a wide range of areas from ballistics and information technology to naval architecture and hydraulics. All of these areas present varied opportunities but they are far from being the only possible roles for a candidate. Navy technology covers many fields of technology meaning there are a wide range of opportunities open to candidates working in the general field. Given the global spread of the maritime technology industry international employment opportunities abound.

Qualifications

The qualifications required to obtain a position in a navy technology-based enterprise may vary widely but always focus on science and engineering subjects. As the demands of the industry call for a wide variety of skill levels entrants’ qualifications will also vary accordingly. In some cases apprenticeships are available but more employers will be looking for a qualification similar to the British Higher National Diploma or for graduates in an appropriate skill area. Masters or PHD graduates are also highly valued. Those with a BA degree may wish to consider completing vocational postgraduate certificate courses in a science. Candidates with other qualifications, such as information technology and marketing are also much sought after.

Competition for army technology roles is fierce but and as skills shortages appear, the race is on for recruiters to secure the next generation of scientists and engineers who will represent the industry’s future. Due to the global breadth of the industry there are also considerable opportunities for candidates to work in countries they do not live in permanently as with the current Indo-US naval cooperation project.

Graduate recruitment

Many large companies operating in the field of navy technology have policies and systems in place for recruiting graduates. These include BAE Systems, EADS Space Transportation, L-3 Communications, Rolls-Royce and SAAB to list but a few of the best known enterprises. This recruitment process can commence up to a year prior to graduation, with applications and information available online through the enterprise’s website. Some candidates may be able to obtain bursaries before beginning an undergraduate programme if they apply directly to those enterprises with such schemes in place. Candidates are strongly advised to contact such enterprises directly and as soon as possible to secure help.

Work experience

Work experience, internships and summer placements are available with many companies and are advantageous for candidates seeking first-time employment. Such placements allow the candidate to get a feel for the industry and gain insight into a preferred area of work. They also provide the company with an opportunity to observe performance and fitness for the organisation, which, if suitable, will put the candidate in good standing for landing a graduate position with them. Work experience is also incredibly valuable for your CV, as it is indicative of self-motivation and a personal commitment to bettering your career.

Further training

On the job training is constant at all levels of employment as maritime technology is fast changing and demanding. A great deal of training is often on the job and connected to new products coming on line. But for many employed in the navy technology sphere additional academic qualifications gained after graduation will be invaluable with regard to career development in what is a highly competitive area. In many case such courses of further study will be paid for by the employer and candidates are urged to learn what resources in this area potential employers offer.

Progression up the career ladder once a position is secured may take some years but can be accelerated in specialist enterprises. Given the competitive nature of the industry progression up the career ladder may be hastened by the candidate obtaining further qualifications.

With this information and these suggestions in mind, your journey onto and up the career ladder in the army technology industry will hopefully be one that is successful, fulfilling and exciting.

Future prospects

Navy technology is a specialised field in which companies are eager to develop their personnel and promotion can be rapid for the right candidate. Well developed career opportunities can arise at all levels. As a globally based industry navy technology industry offers incredible prospects for international travel. Qualifications gained in this field are also easily transferred to the non-military field which can provide for many more excellent lifelong career prospects for the right candidate.