RSAF AFE(M) vocation

[twh_9977]

Hi all, I know that this question have been asked many times in this forum. Firstly, a little bit of background information about myself. Age, 22, and currently awaiting graduation in Ngee Ann Poly Mechanical Engineering, have a GPA of 3.0 and do not have a placing in local uni.

I have wanted to sign on as an AFE(Maintenance) after I graduate. But I have heard many different stories about the progression in the AF as well as the transition to the private sector after I retire from the AF. I also heard from a friend that if I do not have a local uni placing now, it will be very hard to progress into ME-4. Will it be hard to get a uni placing when I'm working in AF?

I have read from other threads that skills from Navy are more transferable to the private sector as compared to AF. Would like to have some useful advice and would also like to hear your experiences if you are currently working in AF/Navy.

PS I was offered to work at a water treatment plant from my intern company after I ORD, but told HR that I will not make the decision so quickly and make decision after I enlist.

 

[Kyoji83]

Hi all, I know that this question have been asked many times in this forum. Firstly, a little bit of background information about myself. Age, 22, and currently awaiting graduation in Ngee Ann Poly Mechanical Engineering, have a GPA of 3.0 and do not have a placing in local uni.

I have wanted to sign on as an AFE(Maintenance) after I graduate. But I have heard many different stories about the progression in the AF as well as the transition to the private sector after I retire from the AF. I also heard from a friend that if I do not have a local uni placing now, it will be very hard to progress into ME-4. Will it be hard to get a uni placing when I'm working in AF?

If you get a place for full time studies in local university, what you intend to do? Quit your RSAF job?

If you get a place for part time studies in local university, what you intend to do when RSAF required you to work at night or station you overseas that crash with your lessons and even exams? Quit your RSAF job?

I have read from other threads that skills from Navy are more transferable to the private sector as compared to AF. Would like to have some useful advice and would also like to hear your experiences if you are currently working in AF/Navy.

Depend on what kind of jobs are you going to work outside SAF.

For example, RSN do not needs any licence and they have their own course (Only recognized by SAF) to work as Engineer inside a ship and RSN servicemen will not be able to get the same job outside cause they do not have licence like CoC Class 5 Marine Engineer Officer to work in a ship as per regulation. Of course, they still can still find jobs without the needs of licence like Service/Project Engineer to repair or build as ship.

Something for RSAF that they do not needs any licence and they have their own course (Only recognized by SAF) to work as Engineer and do maintenance for their aircraft. RSAF servicemen will not be able to get the same job outside cause they do not have licence like Aircraft Maintenance Licence to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer as per regulation. so they needs to start from fresh as Licensed Aircraft Engineer Trainee with CAAS-approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) like SIA.

PS I was offered to work at a water treatment plant from my intern company after I ORD, but told HR that I will not make the decision so quickly and make decision after I enlist.

That is a Diploma job and without a Degree, you cannot advance your career. So will it be better to serve your NSF and study a Degree after ORD before if you want to sign on as RSAF Engineer (ME4) or other Engineer jobs?