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What does a Ships Services Technician do?
We ask someone currently in-post...
What does a Ships Services Technician do?
2022-12-15T14:22:41+00:00
Ships Services Technician, Warship Support
Jake Harrison 15 Dec 2022
BAE Systems is looking to hire for a wide range of roles, from engineers to data analysts, welders to project managers. One the company's priority roles at the moment is 'Ships Services Technician'. But what exactly does a SST do, and how do you get into the role? We spoke to one of BAE Systems' current SSTs, Jake Harrison, for his view…
Can you introduce yourself?
I'm Jake Harrison, a Ship Services Senior Technician, 36 years old.
Let's get straight to it: What does a Ship Services Technician do?
We work in an industrial environment, and BAE Systems takes safety very seriously. When we are working on a ship, normally at Portsmouth Naval Base, the Ship Services Technician makes sure that work is done safely. We are responsible for all safe systems of work, including ensuring people are logged in and out appropriately, and systems related to working in confined spaces, conducting hot work and working with high voltage systems. We have to be prepared to interrupt or challenge work if the appropriate safety procedures are not being followed. It's an important role.
How did you come to work for BAE Systems?
People can come from all kinds of backgrounds for this role. I used to be a Marine Engineering Mechanic in the Navy, then came to BAE Systems as a contractor. After a couple of projects I moved into this role.
We see a lot of ex-navy personnel come to BAE Systems. Navy personnel have a familiarity with many of the systems and processes involved. But it's not the only route. The role also attracts engineers, fitters, and people with other backgrounds.
Because we are very customer facing and customer focused, it really helps to be a 'people person'.
What element of the job do you enjoy most?
In this role you get to meet and interact with so many people. It's a real people job. That also means you get to know all areas of the business. You get a deep insight into everything that's happening across the base, as well as deep expertise on the ship on which we work. So you're constantly learning.
So you're developing your skills as you do the job?
Definitely. This role helps you to develop a massive bank of knowledge of the different types of ships we maintain in Portsmouth and around the world. I've worked on everything from Type 45 destroyers, to minehunters, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and aircraft carriers. While doing so I've also developed my managerial skills, which could end up being really valuable in other future roles.
This role has also taught me how to be adaptable in order to speak with a wide range of individuals across the business using their language. In one meeting I might be speaking to our Warship Support Director, in another I might be speaking to a skilled manual worker. This role has taught me how to wear 'different hats'.
Why should people come and work for BAE Systems?
You're taught well. BAE Systems puts an enormous emphasis on constant learning and development, and gives you both the support and encouragement required to learn on the job all the time. The perks and the benefits are superb, and there is an element of flexibility in the role when you need it. Plus, as everyone always says, the people are great to work with. We have a culture whereby people are very dedicated, and just want to get the job done, understanding the importance of what we do, but who are also approachable and personable.
Anything else you'd say about BAE Systems?
Apart from the fact that you get to work alongside some exciting military tech, this is also a job where you can really see the difference your efforts make. The Royal Navy relies on us so it can operate around the world, and it's great to see the dedication with which people work to deliver this.
BAE Systems is also always adapting its culture and evolving as a business. That makes BAE Systems an exciting environment to work in - it's always pushing to be better.
Thinking of coming to work for BAE Systems? We're hiring for all kinds of roles - including Ship Services Technicians. To see a list of roles currently open in the Maritime & Land sector, please visit: https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/maritime-and-land
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15 Dec 2022 Jake Harrison
Ships Services Technician, Warship Support
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BAE Systems plc published this content on 15 December 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 15 December 2022 17:32:04 UTC.