Corporal Robert Ciriello • Aircraft Technician

Did you always want to work with helicopters?
No, but I liked the sound of it. Joining the Army was a schoolboy dream, but I decided to get a trade behind me, in case I didn't like it. So I went to the Army Technical Foundation College at Arborfield when I was 16.

Any regrets about joining when you were so young?
Overall, I'm glad I did. I've got a friend who went to university who has just joined the RAF and I'm way ahead of him. On the other hand, there's something to be said for doing you're a-levels and joining at 18, so you've got them behind you.

What you'll need GCSEs grade C or better in maths, English language and a science. BTECHs in Electrical / Electronic engineering, or City and Guilds Level 1 or partial completion of Level 2 in appropriate modules

does your job entail now?
We provide second line support in an engine repair section. My job is fairly specialist. Helicopter engines are taken apart - we strip each one down- which takes two weeks and look at the 'lifeing' of each component. Then rebuild the engine with the parts from other engines to maximise its life.

Is the training really technical?
Fairly, but what we do is more engineering and mechanical.
What's been your best posting? My best overseas trip was to Belize for seven months. I serviced aircraft - a very responsible job. We also had to carry out assignments on the aircraft such as vibration analysis.
"My best overseas trip was to Belize for seven months. I serviced aircraft - a very responsible job."