THE RA'S PEOPLE Annette Henley - Senior Engineer "I've even been up the big dishes at Baldock satellite receiving station"

Annette joined the Agency in 1990 after graduating with an honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. She was initially employed as a Graduate Trainee Engineer in the Agency's training scheme.

"I was accepted on to the two year Graduate Trainee Scheme and then found that since I had already completed some of the modules working at BT when I was an undergraduate I was able to progress to become a Higher Professional Technology Officer in sixteen months.

During my traineeship I had a number of postings which gave me the chance to get to know all the varied areas of work that the Agency covers.

At the end of my time as a trainee I took a permanent post in the Fixed Links Unit working on national, European and International standards and specifications. My work included travel to standards making meetings all around Europe to present the UK position on a variety of technical points.

After three years I was promoted to Senior Engineer in the Private Business Systems Unit and I now manage a team of six engineers. I prepare policy advice, deal with unusual and innovative applications for use of radio and advise the public - all in a day's work!"