In 2020, we reached out to students who’d completed our course recently, to collect views and opinions.
Here is a snapshot of the results, taken on 18th February 2021. 1,038 newcomers completed our survey as of the snapshot date.
How did you use our course?
| I fully completed the Foundation Online Course (A1) | 939 |
| I partly completed the Foundation Online Course (A2) | 58 |
| I just used some Foundation Online material to help my studies (A3) | 20 |
Have you passed yet?
| I’ve passed (Remotely-invigilated by RSGB) (A1) | 804 |
| I’ve passed (At a traditional exam centre) (A2) | 74 |
| I’ve not passed yet (A3) | 122 |
| I gave up (A4) | 15 |
How did you find out about amateur radio?
| From a family member (SQ001) | 88 |
| From a friend (SQ002) | 158 |
| From a work colleague (SQ003) | 23 |
| Long-term interest in radio (SQ004) | 599 |
| From recent promotion of amateur radio (web, newspaper, TV, radio) (SQ005) | 32 |
| Searching for a hobby (SQ006) | 116 |
| A specific need (e.g. sporting activity, emergency comms, etc) (SQ007) | 74 |
| Other | 112 |
Why did you pick 2020 to get your licence?
| As good a time as any (SQ005) | 206 |
| Looking for a new hobby (SQ006) | 198 |
| Change of work situation (e.g. furlough / retired) (SQ007) | 166 |
| Spare time due to COVID-19 (SQ001) | 343 |
| Ability to take online, not via a club (SQ002) | 506 |
| Encouragement from friends / family (SQ008) | 102 |
| As a result of the “Get On The Air To Care” campaign (SQ003) | 10 |
| Seen adverts / press articles (SQ009) | 14 |
| Special requirement (e.g. work, other hobby, emergency comms (SQ004) | 63 |
| Other | 113 |
Where are you on your amateur radio journey?
| Passed Foundation and studying for Intermediate (A1) | 318 | 30.64% |
| Passed Foundation and staying put for the moment (A2) | 385 | 37.09% |
| Passed Intermediate and studying for Full (A3) | 93 | 8.96% |
| Passed Intermediate and staying put for the moment (A4) | 35 | 3.37% |
| Passed Full (A5) | 17 | 1.64% |
| Waiting for Foundation Exam (A9) | 44 | 4.24% |
| Still Studying for Foundation (A6) | 36 | 3.47% |
| Not got around to booking exam yet (A8) | 38 | 3.66% |
| Given up (A7) | 11 | 1.06% |
| Other | 30 | 2.89% |
What initially attracted you to the idea of amateur radio?
| To chat to others locally (SQ001) | 402 | 38.73% |
| To chat to others around the world (SQ002) | 548 | 52.79% |
| Listening / Scanning / SWL (SQ011) | 414 | 39.88% |
| To be able to use radio equipment for other hobbies (SQ012) | 259 | 24.95% |
| To use data modes (SQ004) | 216 | 20.81% |
| To learn / use Morse code (SQ003) | 170 | 16.38% |
| Contesting / Competitions (SQ005) | 46 | 4.43% |
| Electronics & radio construction (SQ007) | 335 | 32.27% |
| Antenna design (SQ009) | 291 | 28.03% |
| Space and satellite comms (SQ010) | 244 | 23.51% |
| General technical interest (SQ008) | 575 | 55.39% |
| Social side of the hobby (SQ006) | 222 | 21.39% |
| Other | 51 | 4.91% |
Statement: “It was easy to find how to get started in amateur radio”
| Strongly Agree (A1) | 412 |
| Agree (A2) | 492 |
| Disagree (A3) | 78 |
| Strongly Disagree (A4) | 10 |
Statement: I preferred to take the exam online rather than at a club
| Strongly Agree (A1) | 582 |
| Agree (A2) | 262 |
| Disagree (A3) | 81 |
| Strongly Disagree (A4) | 15 |
Statement: It was easy to book my exam
| Strongly Agree (A1) | 553 |
| Agree (A2) | 322 |
| Disagree (A3) | 37 |
| Strongly Disagree (A4) | 10 |
What are your views on: [Essex Ham / Ham Train]
| Very Positive (A1) | 944 |
| OK (A2) | 35 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 2 |
| No contact (A4) | 3 |
What are your views on: [RSGB Exam Invigilator]
| Very Positive (A1) | 814 |
| OK (A2) | 58 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 3 |
| No contact (A4) | 30
|
What are your views on:
[RSGB (as an organisation)]
| Very Positive (A1) | 529 |
| OK (A2) | 329 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 31 |
What are your views on: [Ofcom]
| Very Positive (A1) | 343 |
| OK (A2) | 414 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 25 |
| No contact (A4) | 108 |
What are your views on: [Your local amateur radio club(s)]
| Very Positive (A1) | 216 |
| OK (A2) | 153 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 78 |
| No contact (A4) | 355 |
What are your views on: [Other Radio Amateurs (You’ve encountered on-air)]
| Very Positive (A1) | 399 |
| OK (A2) | 258 |
| Not very positive (A3) | 21 |
| No contact (A4) | 164 |
What ways would you appreciate help and support after passing your Foundation exam?
| Video guides / online tutorials (SQ001) | 643 | 61.95% |
| Support forums / Facebook groups (SQ002) | 349 | 33.62% |
| A structured “Foundation Plus” course (SQ011) | 446 | 42.97% |
| Through membership of a local radio club (SQ003) | 286 | 27.55% |
| Online radio groups / communities (SQ006) | 394 | 37.96% |
| Friends & Family (SQ004) | 88 | 8.48% |
| Searching online as needed (SQ005) | 311 | 29.96% |
| Events (rallies, field days, social events) (SQ007) | 218 | 21.00% |
| An awards scheme that encourages further study (SQ012) | 150 | 14.45% |
| Practical “hands-on” sessions locally (SQ010) | 371 | 35.74% |
| Q & A Database / Help Pages (SQ008) | 282 | 27.17% |
| Webinars / Zoom Sessions (SQ009) | 315 | 30.35% |
| Other | 68 | 6.55% |
The RSGB is running a scheme for newcomers where you undertake tasks with your local club, and can get PDF certificates for activity. Examples of how to get points include: Log 50 VHF/UHF contacts with unique stations. Log 50 HF contacts with unique stations using data modes (FT8, JT65, RTTY, etc) Log 10 successful contacts with unique stations in one contest. Take part in 6 club nets Make a presentation to the club on any amateur radio related subject Build a piece of amateur radio-related equipment for your shack Introduce someone to the hobby who goes on to start a Foundation course What do you think of this scheme?
| I would be interested taking part in this scheme (A1) | 443 | 42.68% |
| I would not be interested in a scheme like this (A2) | 305 | 29.38% |
| I am already taking part in this scheme (A3) | 14 | 1.35% |
| Other | 90 | 8.67% |
Thanks to everyone who has responded so far.
