11 minute read
Trade Talks: Metalsmiths
Metalsmiths
Over its 78-year history, the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers has seen multiple changes to the trades that make it up. Today, the Corps consists of eight trades who serve across the whole of the British Army and every REME Soldier becomes an apprentice in their trade of choice. This month, Metalsmiths give us an insight into how this trade is constantly developing to provide the best opportunities for their tradespeople and the Corps.
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The Metalsmith Career Employment Group (CEG) is a highly versatile trade, specialising in the repair, fabrication and manufacture of field force equipment.
Initial Metalsmith Trade Training (D255) – Where it all begins
Scribe: SSgt Parker
Metalsmiths start their initial trade training at the Defence School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (DSEME). Each trainee will attend a common foundation course that consists of numeracy and English assessments, bench fitting, engineering drawing techniques, health and safety awareness and crane operation applications.
Oxygen and Acetylene Welding (O/A)
O/A welding techniques are delivered over a six-week period. These processes include positional welding and brazing of ferrous materials, and O/A cutting. These welding processes are not commonly used in industry; however, they remain an essential part of equipment support delivery within the Field Force.
Arc Welding
Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and Manual Metal Arc (MMA) are more commonly used processes that are used within industry and the MOD. Trainees are assessed over a sixteen-week period and, after progressive training, are expected to weld ferrous and non-ferrous materials in various positions to a high standard.
Blacksmithing
During this phase trainees are taught blacksmithing and heat treatment techniques. Trainees forge heated materials into tools, hooks, springs and brackets. This type of training is invaluable as it is applied in the field force on a regular basis.
Sheet Metal Work
All trainees must demonstrate they have the hand skills and engineering competence needed to fulfil the role of a Metalsmith, by manufacturing and forming sheet metal into ducting, toolboxes, funnels and vehicle panels.
The End Product
On completion of trade training each tradesperson will be assigned to a designated Workshop or Battalion as qualified Class 3 Metalsmiths, where they will then be awarded Class 2 status after a six-month transition period.
Land (4 ACS Battalion REME)
Scribe: SSgt Tidd
The Metalsmith department at 4 Armoured Close Support Bn provide an impressive array of Equipment Support (ES) for 101 Logistics Brigade. The Battalion also supports all operational and training requirements of 12 Armoured Infantry Brigade and 3 Division.
There are 15 Metalsmiths within the department who provide Third Line ES within the Tidworth/Bulford area and further afield. The main effort is to support and repair Challenger 2, Warrior and other armoured vehicles. We also support 26 Engr Regt with the repair and maintenance of heavy-duty engineering equipment.
This equipment includes the Trojan platform that’s designed to breach minefields, and the Titan bridge-laying armoured vehicle. The variety of platforms that we support gives us the ability to gain a vast amount of knowledge and experience across a broad spectrum of ES requirements.
Sea (17 Port and Maritime Regt RLC Wksp)
Scribe: LCpl Gardiner
17 Port and Maritime Workshop provides ES to 104 Logistics Brigade. All Metalsmiths who are assigned to 17 Port and Maritime will attend a Shipwright CEQ over a three-month period at HMS Sultan. The
Work boat inspection
training delivered includes Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP), carpentry, ship technology, the Basic Sea Survival Course (BSSC), and application of practical firefighting and damage control measures while onboard a ship.
The main effort is to deliver ES to Combat Support Boats (CSB fibreglass construction), workboats (steel hull with aluminium superstructure) and Mexeflotes, which are landing rafts comprising of 20m x 7m steel cuboids assembled to form floating pontoons or causeways for ship to shore capabilities.
Deployments include North Atlantic Patrol Taskings (APT) and aid relief during the hurricane season. The Workshop has also delivered ES training to the Nigerian Navy at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre in support of their rigid hull inflatable boats, as per the Small Craft Maintenance Course. The wider span of taskings on different materials develops not only trade skills but problem-solving abilities due to the varied properties, construction and repair methods required. This makes for a well-rounded Repairing a boat cradle and capable tradesperson.
Air (7 Avn Sp Bn REME)
Scribe: Sgt Howell, Metalsmith IC
Life at 7 CS Bn REME presents a fresh challenge with unique skills picked up along the way. The Apache Attack Helicopter is our main ES effort. However, there is plenty of work to go around, from repairing Land Rover bulkheads to restoration projects around the station. The standards are high within aviation and we are no exception. Our aircraft weld test pieces are analysed, which (if passed) gives us a six-monthly competency to weld on aircraft. I very much enjoy working here and learning more about the aviation side of the Army as it will give me a very well-rounded experience of engineering in all disciplines with high standards. Scribe: Cpl Molyneux, Metalsmith 2IC
My first experience of an Apache Attack Helicopter was in a firefight in Afghanistan; I know how much of an asset it is on the battlefield from when I served in the Royal Marines. Transferring as a Cpl Class 2 Metalsmith I have the privilege to work on this incredible platform. Upon arrival I immediately started practicing and refining my TIG welding, having been loaded onto the RAF Advanced Welding course to make me eligible to submit test pieces to weld on aircraft. Not only does my TIG welding have to be ‘on point’, but you learn different metals to weld with along the way, from aircraft grade aluminium to titanium and Nimonic to name but a few. This is great experience and I know the sky’s the limit.
Working on Apache Attack Helicopters
Why did you choose to become a Metalsmith?
Before I joined, I was studying to become a Civilian Mechanic. I attended a weeklong REME insight course where we went to 17 Port and Maritime RLC and spent about half an hour with the Shipwrights (pre-amalgamation), including going around Southampton Harbour on RIBs. As a 17-year-old I was very impressed. I still did not join until I was 21 but I had no doubts that I wanted to be a Metalsmith.
What have been your trade highlights or key experiences to date?
The Shipwright CEQ, which includes sea survival, firefighting and boat repairs. It is a great experience trying to plug a hole in the wall of the DRIU (the Navy’s sinking ship simulator) while the water is up to your shoulders and trying to throw you over. I had a brilliant opportunity to go away on the RFA ship, Lyme Bay, with another Metalsmith. From August to December we docked in Albania, Oman, Qatar, Egypt and Malta. We worked rigorously between destinations on the Marines’ boats stored aboard the ship, the RLC’s MEXE raft, which was kept in the ship’s built in dock, and a major ship repair, which kept us entertained while most of the Soldiers on board caught up on their sun tans.
I also recently had the opportunity to run my own metal bay over at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), while their Metalsmith was on his Class 1 course. It was a job that took away all my safety nets and let me prove myself. I was working with a great team of Vehicle Mechanics. I took on any job I could and conducted repairs on all sorts of vehicles as well as making workbenches, signs and 200 small brackets to help in the battle against COVID-19. I came out of it knowing I am much better at this trade than I had originally thought I was.
What opportunities has your trade given you so far?
The highlight from my four months on ship would have to be the stop off in Egypt. People pay thousands to visit the Pyramids and I paid just £70 for the bus. I will never forget what it was like riding a camel though the desert to see the Great Pyramids.
My first job back from the ship would have to be my favourite; to design and construct a Temple for the Gurkha Trust. It was a job nobody else wanted and yet was perfect for me. It combined my love of design and wood-working. I was managing a team on the construction of this substantial structure and towards the end of the project, we had almost the whole workshop onboard, helping in one way or another. It was great to have everyone working as a real team and I have never been as proud of my work as I was when myself and other Metalsmiths attended the opening of the Temple. I could see how much it meant to the Nepalese community, the Soldiers and their families.
What advice would you give to those thinking about joining REME as a Metalsmith?
If you want a challenging job where you are going to be working on a new challenge every other week then it could be for you. I never joined thinking I was going to build a place for Buddhists and Hindus to pray. I never thought I would be drawing designs for workbenches that will be supporting the weight of a race car. I never even planned to be a Metalsmith, but I love the diversity of the workload. It has been good so far.
What are your future goals in REME?
I will be headed out of trade for a bit now to work with the Corps Engagement Team. I am excited for a different perspective on the Army and I think working in engagement could be a good way to see the wider REME. After that I will be pushing for my Class 1 and eventually I would like to go back to work with the ARRC.
REME Engineering Development and Research Database
Are you currently undergoing study as part of a course or for personal development, or are you planning to undertake study in the near future? If yes, please read on. If not, please consider doing so; there is talent out there just waiting to be discovered. Speak to your unit Training Officer for further details on how to apply.
As professional engineers we strive for excellence and part of that journey is through further education and continuous personal/professional development. Whether you are just starting out in your professional engineering journey or studying for a degree, either sponsored or of your own volition, the Corps wants to know what you are studying and why.
Who decides what needs looking into?
The REME Intellectual Focus Sponsor Group comprises of personnel from DE&S, HoC CSS, Comds ES, RHQ REME, Ch Engr (A) and JHC, to name but a few. Their aim is to look across current and future equipment programs and identify areas which require further research. And that’s where you come in. The REME Arms School has established a database of study topics, both current and future, which you can browse online.
Why does the Corps want to know?
Simple; the Corps wants to help you focus your efforts on areas of study that may have a tangible benefit to the Corps or wider Defence.
What do I get out of it?
Where do I sign up?
One of the early hurdles when undertaking study can be choosing an interesting and relevant topic. The EDRD will contain a bank of questions for you to look into to see what subject sparks your interest. The next step will be a quick email to the REME Arms School to explain why you want to study that particular topic and at what level, e g. as part of a ‘tiffy’ project or to obtain a Bachelor or Master’s Degree. Also, recording your current research will allow the Corps to put you in touch with others with experience in your field, who may be able to advise or assist you with your project. The first step is to find out what studies are currently being undertaken, hence the requirement for this survey.
You can access the survey via this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id= 7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5TT4u3KsIkdOv-FxiPJabRJUODQ1TlhEVUM2UU5UU0JHRjVMOElRMTdZSS4u Alternatively if you prefer to partake in the survey using your phone, use the QR code. Please take a few moments to answer the questions and we can get the ball rolling. Please scan the QR code with your phone to take the survey
BE RECOGNISED BE REWARDED
SSgt Andy Beacock EngTech MIMechE
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