ON No. 1 S of TT

It’s been quite some time since I last penned an article for the RAF Cosford magazine, having been away from the station for several years prior to my return last summer. Since my last tour at Cosford, the magazine has had a technical facelift, with the migration to digital promulgation and of course a change of name from “Grapevine” to “Apprentice”. It is clearly true what they say that life never remains still, and the only constant is change. This mantra is evident across all aspects of our Service and indeed No. 1 S of TT. It is therefore a wonderful opportunity to highlight and promote the fantastic array of behindthe-scenes developments and Continuous Improvement activity that is going on within the School.

Training Programme Evolution

One of the most substantial developments coming to Engineering training at Cosford is the rationalisation and harmonisation of training elements across training syllabi. It has long been recognised that across the Mechanical, Avionics, Weapons and Survival Equipment courses there are teaching elements which are common to all the profiles. Currently these are embedded into each training profile, but the implementation of the Foundation Engineering Technician-Pathway (FET-P) will soon change that. Having already been identified, those “Core Engineering” competencies featuring across all Engineering Phase 2 training pipelines will be gathered into a single unified module that will become the first phase of training for all TG1 and TG13 trainees. Featuring in this phase will be elements such as Human Factors, Engineering Policy, and Mechanical and Electrical Hand skills. This harmonisation will facilitate improved efficiency and consistency through the implementation of a single standard, spanning multiple disciplines. Each training syllabus will then have a second phase of training; a bespoke package delivering those competencies and skills unique to that trade specialism. This is a very exciting project, aligned to the transformation from “Branches” to “Professions” within the service, and ensuring that Phase 2 Engineering training is ready for the future. The timetable has been set with implementation scheduled for Sep 23. In the months that remain, work will continue to develop the new course profiles and secure the personnel and equipment resources to enable the transition and the enduring training structure.

Trainee Management Squadron

Following months of research, planning and development, Trainee Management Squadron (TMS) was established as the focal point for trainee welfare, discipline, and personal development within the School. This initiative, whilst still working towards Full Operating Capability is already proving to be effective. Having been well acknowledged by the OfSTED team during their last inspection, the newly formed squadron has a focussed remit to support and develop trainees throughout their time at Cosford. Acting as the central element, with close links to the Training Delivery Areas, trainee management processes and support provisions across the School are being enhanced and harmonised to provide continuity of approach.

For most at RAF Cosford, the implementation of “Stages of Training” is perhaps the most visible recent initiative that falls out of the TMS establishment. It will not have escaped the attention of those transiting around station that No.1 S of TT trainees are looking rather more colourful these days. The newly procured cap badge disks and matching lanyards; far from being fashion accessories, are in fact part of the broader scheme in which our Aviators will be developed throughout their time in Phase 2 training. With Engineering having the longest of all ground training pipelines, it was recognised that the personal journey of trainees needed to be progressive in the same manner as their technical journey to prevent stagnation. The new scheme provides a mechanism through which trainees can gain additional privileges and freedoms as they progress through the stages of training, by passing certain training milestones and demonstrating the appropriate behaviours. As such, our trainees can become increasingly empowered as they move through the course, and in turn; their relative “maturity” can be clearly seen by staff and personnel across the station. In this way, our Aviators can, over the course of their time here, make a more defined and meaningful transition from newly arrived Air Recruit to confident and Front-Line ready Engineer. The colour conventions for Stages of Training have hopefully been widely communicated across the station, but for those who may not have seen, the programme is split into: Initial (green), Intermediate (Yellow), Senior (Red) and Graduating (Blue).

Quadcopter Project Innovation

No.1 S of TT has always been at the heart of innovation, and this remains true today. One of the key innovation projects in development now is that of Project Quadcopter. The brainchild of OC No.1 S of TT, this project will, when fully realised, provide trainees with the opportunity to flex their engineering muscles and imagination through the exploration of an extra-curricular design project. Assigned a “mission” that will simulate a typical military function such as Search and Rescue, air transport and ground attack, teams of trainees will need to research, design, fabricate and program a Quadcopter to achieve the objective. Being underpinned by the engineering knowledge and skills gained in training, this project will consolidate trainee learning and facilitate the application of that learning in a fun and dynamic way, whilst reinforcing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

A recent demonstration by an Industry representative showcased the vast potential for this project, flying a custom-built device in an air mobility role; with a specifically programmed Geo-fence imposed to guarantee safety. The system is designed to be interoperable with mapping software, allowing for the activity to be represented in a virtual theatre on a display screen. With the proof-of-concept element complete, work is now in progress to develop a trial of the programme with a small number of groups. Initially planned to be implemented as a bolt-on activity, the aim will be to embed this within the training programmes themselves, to have this as form part of the course profile. However, one step at a time. This exiting innovation programme will be growing and developing over the coming months so watch this space for future updates!

Transfer Of 238 Sqn

And finally, after many years as an integral part of the School, 238 Sqn; home of Flight Servicing, Flight Line Maintenance and Flight Line Handling training has transferred from No.1 S of TT to AE&MTS. Whilst there is no change to the structure and quality of training output, the move provides logistical benefits through the amalgamation of all Airfield-based training elements under a single Chain of Command. Having previously had the privilege to be an instructor on 238 Sqn and looking back on my time there with fondness, I know first-hand the commitment and dedication shown by the instructional team there. As such I have every confidence that 238 Sqn will continue to excel within its new domain and that the bonds with No.1 S of TT will remain. As indicated in my introduction, change is inevitable and nothing to fear, indeed it is something to embrace. For only through change do we truly evolve as individuals, as teams and as a Service, striving towards that most elusive of goals –Perfection.

Lt Chris Marshall