Computer-related Trades?

[CFNewbie]

Hi everyone,

I have a bachelor's of computing degree from university. For those who don't know, a good portion of the degree was about programming, but there was also a lot on networking, low-level programming, computer operating systems and hardware.

I'm very interested in the CF, and would like to put my skills to use.

From what I've identified, I would be interested in two particular trades (as an NCM):

- Army Communication and Information Systems Specialist (ACISS)
- Aerospace Telecommunication & Information Systems Technician (ATIST)

Are there any other trades that I should consider as a third option? I was thinking maybe a Signals Officer, but being an NCM seems more appealing for now.


Most importantly: How necessary are strong math skills?

I've completed calculus courses, taken physics in highschool, and learn computer theory like boolean algebra and mathematical proofs... but I don't enjoy it, and my mental math skills are fairly weak.

I'm looking for a trade where on-the-fly mathematics are minimal, and those times where I do have a hard problem to solve, I can take my time.


I notice that for both trades, grade 10 is the only requirement. Am I overly worried about this?

While math is my weak point, if they will teach what I need to know throughout training for my trade, I can handle it.

In short, I do not want to be expected to have strong math skills off the bat, nor do I want a trade that is mostly math based.


Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thank-you very much!

 

[Robert0288]

Check out some of these as well.
Communicator Research Operator  http://www.forces.ca/en/job/communicatorresearchoperator-29#info-1
Naval Communicator http://www.forces.ca/en/job/navalcommunicator-24#info-1


Any math you need to know will be taught to you from the ground up on your trades courses.

 

[PMedMoe]

You'll need mental math skills for the CFAT.

 

[CFNewbie]

Thanks Robert for the links, both trades seem quite interesting... you've just made my decision much harder.

PMedMoe, I realize there is some basic math for CFAT, but I was talking more about physics or algebra. While my mental math is a little rusty, I'm sure I can bring it up to speed for what is required for the CFAT.

 

[Occam]

ATIS Tech will definitely require higher math skills as a result of having to take POET (Performance Oriented Electronics Training).

I'm not that familiar with the new training streams for ACISS, but those who go on to do the job previously done by the LCIS Techs (CST, I believe) would also have to attend POET.

Can I ask what is discouraging you from entering the Officer career stream, given that you've already done a degree program?

 

[PuckChaser]

I'm not that familiar with the new training streams for ACISS, but those who go on to do the job previously done by the LCIS Techs (CST, I believe) would also have to attend POET.

There is a similar program to POET, called FET, but I believe its being taught at the DP2 level now for CSTs.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

CELE Officer is another one you might look at.

 

[CFNewbie]

ATIS Tech will definitely require higher math skills as a result of having to take POET (Performance Oriented Electronics Training).

Can I ask what is discouraging you from entering the Officer career stream, given that you've already done a degree program?

I've heard about POET before and saw a description of each unit of the course from 2008.

I'm not worried about math which is part of a course. I'm just trying to avoid trades that use math heavily on a day to day basis. If its just making a decision based on a theory, thats fine. I just don't want to be trying to do physics equations in my head regularly.

I'm not sure if my concern is valid or not. I'm sure a ships navigator would have to use such skills for instance, so that is a trade I'd likely avoid.

As for being an officer, the main concern is the length of the contract. My family and I would feel much better on a shorter contract so that if the career is not right for me, I can get out easily.

It's much harder for me to commit myself to 9 years right off the bat.

Additionally I would prefer a job where I spend most of my time doing different tasks, and less time doing paperwork.

Finally, I've heard a few people mention the life of an NCM is a bit more fun and more relaxed because don't have as much responsibility. While I do like to lead, it's my understanding the higher ranking NCMs do lead smaller groups.

 

[Loachman]

I think that you are underestimating your abilities and overestimating the required performance standards.

The minimum educational requirement for the occupations that interest you is Grade 10.

You have a degree. Some effort and ability was required to obtain that. You are well past the Grade 10 level.

If your math skills exceed Grade 10 level, you should have little, if any, problem with whatever math ability is required for those occupations.

I'm a Pilot, and I've never needed to use anything beyond simple counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in over thirty years of flying and Pilot-related staff duties. I do not recall having to use any numbers with more than three digits in them for any of those calculations. I've never used any of that fancy High School math since I left there, and I've long-since purged it from my memory banks.

You will be taught everything that you need to know for whatever occupation you select.

Now, I'm stepping out of my lane a little here, but I doubt that you'd be committing to nine years if you applied as an Officer candidate. You would enroll as a Direct Entry Officer (DEO) as you already have a degree, and would not, therefore, incur the obligatory service in exchange for a publicly-funded degree.

As for the fun and relaxation aspect, I started out in the ranks but have spent the bulk of my time as an Officer, and there is enough (or too little, at times) fun and relaxation to be had in both heirarchies. Both have their satisfactions and frustrations, but they do differ a little.

You can always begin as an NCM and apply for a commission later. Having a degree would help with that application, but there is no guarantee that your application would be accepted.

 

[CFNewbie]

I really appreciate your reply Loachman,

You are exactly right, I think I'm just worried about failure and want to succeed. Anxious I guess.

For that matter, I remember having the same concerns when I applied for University, but I made it through without much of a problem.

I am going to visit a recruiter today, so I will definitely get more details on the trades, and will look into being an Officer as well.

Depending on the contract they offer me, I thought it would be a good idea to start as an NCM if the Officer contract seems too long. Once my NCM contract is up, if I really enjoy life in the CF, then I will switch to Officer then if I feel the need.

Once again I really appreciate the reply, I think I've got a clear mind for my meeting today.

 

[Loachman]

My pleasure.

Effort and persistence usually count more than natural talent and ability.

Feel free to adopt my personal motivational phrase: "Dumber people than me have succeeded at this".