Babcock, which manages and operates the Ministry of Defence's
High Frequency (HF) operations as part of the Defence HF
Communications Service (DHFCS) contract, has launched a new
National BTEC-approved Advanced Diploma in Telecommunications.
The new qualification includes the theory of high frequency
radio communications and consists of six modules covering aspects
from telecommunication principles and skills, and radio
communication principles and applications, to computer systems and
networks.
The coursework and assignments for the new diploma have been
developed by staff from Babcock Defence Communications in
conjunction with a professional electrical and electronic training
company, Electrol, contracted to deliver the BTEC course.
Under the DHFCS contract, which spans HF radio stations across
the globe, Babcock operations staff use a high tech Command and
Control Monitoring System to transmit and receive messages for UK
and NATO forces around the world. Operations run 24/7 from
Network Control Stations in Harrogate and Kinloss, supported by
another 12 HF radio stations in the UK, Cyprus, Ascension Island
and the Falkland Islands. All information has to be routed
and transmitted in real time, and could be supporting military
operations, or sea rescue, anti piracy, anti drug patrols, or other
operations.
Babcock staff providing the DHFCS service come from a wide
variety of backgrounds and have few formal qualifications for their
skills. The BTEC Diploma will provide the underpinning
fundamental knowledge that they use to make communications to ships
and aircraft. The course will also advance their skills and
knowledge of the wider communications industry, while providing
them with a nationally recognised qualification. The majority
of Babcock's DHFCS staff are now studying for the new diploma and
have completed the first modules.
Babcock's Head of DHFCS Operations, Mike Withington, comments:
"While our staff gain a nationally recognised qualification for the
unique skills they have developed in providing and managing voice
and data services to the UK military and NATO users, Babcock
benefits from a workforce well trained and motivated to continue to
provide the excellent service the MoD has experienced in the first
half of this contract, since 2003. Meanwhile the MoD has the
assurance that Babcock has a process in place to ensure succession
plans can be met."
The BTEC Advanced (Level 3) Diploma in Telecommunications
ensures that the training provided by Babcock in this field is
compatible with civilian qualifications, and will also be a
recognisable qualification in future for people working in similar
areas in industry and commerce. Further details of the
diploma can be obtained from Mike Withington, Head of DHFCS
Operations at Babcock.