Fastrack Topic 1

Question 1

Why are the MESM branch selecting personnel for FastTrack?

Answer 1

• Big issue with retention of Senior rates within the service.
• One of the main factors in this is the demand for qualifications gained through the Royal Navy on the outside in civvy street. This includes your nuclear/refrigeration tickets.
• Once these qualifications are gained people are looking for civilian employment with a less demanding work environment.
• To fix this issue in the MESM branch the navy are shortening the career pathway to Senior Rates in an effort to plug these gaps.
• Schemes include UGAS, Accelerated Apprenticeship and FastTrack from the MESM common course for individuals who stand out.
• By shortening the career timeline of these individuals the MESM branch will have an influx of new killichs in a shorter than normal time period fixing these supply issues.

Question 2

How does the FastTrack system work?

Answer 2

• The basic idea is it shortens your career timeline by 2 years.
• Initially the process we are going through now occurs.
• Individuals with excellent grades and no major disciplinary action are selected from the common course through first a letter process and then a Board.
• When selected a provisional date of 2 years from the board is agreed to return on your LET course.
• SMQ is done as normal alongside your other course mates at Faslane.
• Assigned to a Boat for 12 months to gain your hands on experience.
• Dolphins are accelerated so you can get them and return initially to HMS Collingwood on Leading Rates Leadership Course.

Question 3

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years time?

Answer 3

• If not selected for FastTrack at the 5 year period you would have just completed LET training here you would be looking for a Sea Draft at LET rate or dependant on how well you did on your course you could be on the FastTrack to PO (second bite of the cherry).
• If selected for FastTrack you should have done 2 and a half years as an LET of a section head (Clanky).
• I’d be thinking about or already in the process of getting my POs which would be a further 24 month course in which I would gain my double competencies.
• Further down the line I would have done my senior rates leadership course and achieved CAT B as a nuclear shutdown supervisor.
• At the 10 year period I’d be on for my chiefs and in the process of doing 6 months in Rutherford gaining Cat A nuclear watchkeeping ticket.

Question 4

Why should he board accept you for FastTrack?

Answer 4

Hands on experience- Prior to this job I have experience on my own car which I used to gain hands on experience on mechanical craft. For example I learnt how to change my tyres, replace brakes and pads. I also learnt how to do an oil change through resources online. I have worked in construction also learning how to measure and best use materials so as not to waste.
Hard worker- Tesco warehouse always worked overtime never ever late responded to company needs at a whim. I will set myself apart again as a leading hand.
Education- Already achieved A levels which shows i can work at a higher academic standard.
Communication- Joined rugby team further improve team working skills. Sports rep at Raleigh in which i gained experience learning to motivate members of the group who wasn’t as able round obstacle course or the high ropes.
Examination scores here are excellent and amongst the best in my class.