AIR FORCE TRADES - Defence Jobscontent.defencejobs.gov.au/pdf/airforce/AirForceTrades_21052014.pdfFITTER & TURNER ... first aid, weapons handling and how to be a ... call 13 19 01

AIR FORCE TRADES

CONTENTS

TAKE YOUR TRADE FURTHER IN THE AIR FORCE ................................. 4

QUALIFIED TRADES ........................................................................... 12

AIRCRAFT SPRAY PAINTER ............................................................... 13

ELECTRICIAN .................................................................................... 14

FITTER & TURNER ............................................................................. 15

TRAINEESHIPS .................................................................................. 16

AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT TECHNICIAN ................................................. 17

AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FITTER ............................................. 18

AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN ..................................................................... 19

AVIONICS TECHNICIAN ...................................................................... 20

CARPENTER ...................................................................................... 21

COMMUNICATION ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN .................................... 22

MOTOR MECHANIC ............................................................................ 23

PLUMBER.......................................................................................... 24

NEXT STEPS ...................................................................................... 27

INTRODUCTION TO THE AIR FORCE TRADES

It may come as a surprise to you but the Air Force has

a lot to offer tradies in a vast variety of jobs. Becoming

part of one of Australia’s most dynamic organisations

will give you the opportunity to work on some of the

most advanced aircraft and sophisticated equipment

available. You’ll be in an environment where you will be

challenged and have an opportunity to gain new skills,

or even further the skills you already have.

TAKE YOUR TR ADE FURTHER IN THE AIR FORCE

Here’s a quick look at the different types

of Air Force trades jobs.

It may come as a surprise to you but the Air Force has a lot to offer tradies in a vast variety of jobs. Becoming part of

one of Australia’s most dynamic organisations will give you the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced

aircraft and sophisticated equipment available. You’ll be in an environment where you will be challenged and have an

opportunity to gain new skills, or even further the skills you already have.

LE AVE YOUR MARKBeing a tradie in the Air Force gives you the chance to

look back at the end of a day and think “I really made

a difference.” It will open your eyes to situations and

people in ways you’d never expect, as you could have

the opportunity to use your highly sought-after skills as

part of a natural disaster relief effort, or constructing

infrastructure for remote communities.

GAIN SOME S TABILIT YA downside to job hunting or working for yourself is living

with the hassle of wondering ‘when and where will my

next pay cheque be coming from?’ Trade jobs in the Air

Force provide that sense of financial security you need for

yourself, your family and most importantly, your future.

CONS TRUCT ION TR ADES ⁄ Carpenter

⁄ Plumber

⁄ Electrician

TECHNICAL TR ADES ⁄ Motor Mechanic

(Ground Support Equipment Technician)

⁄ Fitter & Turner (Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter)

⁄ Communication Electronic Technician

AVIAT ION TR ADES ⁄ Aeronautical Life Support Fitter

⁄ Aircraft Armament Technician

⁄ Aircraft Spray Painter

⁄ Aircraft Structural Technician

⁄ Aircraft Technician

⁄ Avionics Technician

4 A IR FORCE T R ADES

7A IR FORCE T R ADES

THE TR AINING YOU’LL NEEDWe’re looking for people of all ages and levels of work

experience. If you’re qualified, your civilian skills may

transfer directly into the Air Force with minimum on-

the-job training. If you’re unqualified, there are many

traineeship positions available where the Air Force

will provide all the relevant training needed to become

fully qualified.

Whether you’re entering as a trainee or fully qualified

tradie, your first stop will be initial military training at

Number 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) at RAAF Base

Wagga, New South Wales. You’ll receive training over

10 and a half weeks which will give you the foundation

on which to build a successful career. You’ll cover

subjects like basic military skills, physical training,

drill, first aid, weapons handling and how to be a

productive team member.

Upon graduation from your recruit training,

you’ll undergo your Initial Employment Training.

This is where you’ll learn your trade or post graduate

training if you are already trade qualified.

Depending on which trade you’ve chosen and any

previous qualifications you hold, Initial Employment

Training typically takes between 6-18 months to

complete. On completion of your Initial Employment

Training, you’ll then be posted to a RAAF Base or

Defence Establishment where you’ll continue with on-

the-job training for a further 12-24 months.

If you’re keen to develop your skills further, the Air

Force will help you undertake additional training

relevant to your trade – in most cases training is paid

for and takes place during working hours.

All Air Force trade traineeships come with nationally

accredited TAFE equivalent qualifications. They also

guarantee you a job on completion of your

specialist training.

LIVING THE LIFEAs with most good jobs, you need to be able to strike the proper work/life balance.

The standard working week for a tradie in the Air Force is approximately 40 hours

after which you’re free to spend your after-hours and weekends doing as you

please. Naturally, as a Defence organisation, there will be occasions where you

will be needed to assist in activities that fall outside of the ‘normal’ definition of a

working week; however, a service allowance is provided to compensate for this.

There are plenty of clubs and sporting teams you can join in the Air Force, plus

you’ll get the opportunity to travel within Australia and possibly overseas on

exercises and deployments. You get subsidised rent and low interest rate home

loans, free healthcare and 18% superannuation.

AIR FORCE RESERVEIf you’re looking for a part-time job that’s worthwhile to you and to the community,

then why not put your skills to work in the Air Force Reserves? You’ll be a vital part

of the organisation and your contribution to the Air Force as a whole will be highly

valued. It’s a great way to give some real purpose to your spare time, where you

will have an opportunity to travel on exercises and work in a unique environment in

complete contrast to your everyday job.

Trade jobs available in the Air Force Reserve include:

⁄ Carpenter (Qualified)

⁄ Electrician (Qualified)

⁄ Plumber (Qualified)


FULL T IMEUpon completion of your recruit training, you’ll receive

a competitive starting salary package. The package

details vary depending on your job and rank however all

include free healthcare, subsidised accommodation and a

generous 18% super contribution.

RESERVE Members of the Reserves are paid at a daily rate of pay,

which is tax-free. In addition, you’ll receive a generous

Service Allowance, uniforms and may be eligible for free

meals and accommodation while on active Reserve duty

in specific instances.

Information is correc t a t t ime of pr int ing and is subjec t to change. For the la test information, cal l 13 19 01 or v isi t defencejobs.gov.au/air force

WHAT YOU’LL BE PAID

10 AIR FORCE T R ADES

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

In this role, you will get to work on

some of the most powerful, expensive

and advanced aircraft in Australia. The

job tasks include painting metallic and

composite surfaces on aircraft such as

the huge C-17A Globemaster III, to a multi-

million dollar F/A-18F Super Hornet.

You’ll also be involved in stenciling and

the application of tapes and decals. Best

of all – there are plenty of opportunities

to travel throughout Australia and around

the world.

HOW YOU’LL GE T THERE

After recruit training, you’ll be posted

to our major repaint facility (currently

at RAAF Base Tindal, in the Northern

Territory) as an Aircraft Spray Painter.

There you’ll complete up to 35-weeks

on-the-job training before being posted

to a field unit.

WHAT YOU NEED

You must have a Certificate III Automotive

Engineering (Automotive Body Refinishing).


A IRCR AF T SPR AY PAINTERQUALIFIED TR ADES

AIRCRAFT SPRAY PAINTER

ELECTRICIAN

FIT TER & TURNER (GROUND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FIT TER)


F IT TER & TURNER (GROUND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FIT TER)


Don’t just do the everyday sparkie job.

Work with the best equipment on the most

exciting technology. You’ll find yourself

installing, maintaining and repairing power

and lighting systems, and other electrical

equipment on a scale that’s bigger than

you ever imagined: how about installing

runway lighting on a temporary airstrip in

the middle of the desert? The adventure

starts now.


After recruit training you will undertake

specific training at the RAAF Security &

Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for

7-weeks. Then it’s a posting to a field unit at

either Tindal, Townsville or Richmond. After

developing your skills and progression

within the Air Force, other positions at

various locations will become available.

You may also receive the opportunity to

complete further specialist training and

supervisory courses covering topics such

as specialist airfield engineering. There

are also opportunities to move into more

senior roles such as Works Supervisor

and follow a career path up to Warrant

Officer – a position for senior airmen and

airwomen who demonstrate expertise in

their field.

WHAT YOU NEED

⁄ Certificate III in Electrical or Dated

equivalent - Trade Certificate in

Electrical Mechanical, Certificate

of Completion of Apprenticeship

Electrician; and

⁄ It is essential to hold a current

unrestricted electricians licence;

or current equivalent, endorsed by

the Electricity Supply Association

of Australia Regulatory Authorities

Licensing Committee;

⁄ Completed 12 months productive

employment in the trade after training;

⁄ It is also essential to have a pass in

Year 10 English.


Think you’re a jack-of-all-trades? That’s

what’s required for this position. As

a Fitter & Turner (Ground Mechanical

Engineering Fitter), you’ll be working on

the repair, modification and refurbishment

of Ground Support Equipment (GSE),

aircraft arrestor systems and small arms

weapons.


After your recruit training, you’ll be

posted to a RAAF base to begin your 12

months of on-the-job training. From here,

job progression is based on periods of

employment and further training such

as completing an Advanced Aircraft

Machining course, with the ability to

advance through the ranks to Warrant



their field.

WHAT YOU NEED

⁄ Certificate Level III in the Engineering-

Mechanical Trade or equivalent;

⁄ Year 10 pass in English.


ELECTRICIAN



As an Armament Technician it’s your job

to look after the running and repair of

aircraft weapons systems and equipment

– and that includes everything from

the computers on board the aircraft

through to the actual missiles and bombs.

There’s scope for career advancement

as well, with the opportunity to become

a Demolition Operator where you’ll learn

all about Improvised Explosive Device

Disposal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.


After recruit training, you will attend the

RAAF School of Technical Training at

RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for 26 weeks.

Then you will be posted to a RAAF Base

for employment as an Armament Fitter

for on-the-job training. Following a

minimum of 24 months further experience

and successful completion of the skills log

you will qualify for a nationally recognised

Australian Qualification Framework trade

certificate and be regarded to technician

status. Career progression opportunities

such as supervisory roles and promotions

exist for airmen and airwomen who

demonstrate expertise in their field.

WHAT YOU NEED

You need to have successfully completed

Year 10 with passes in English, Maths and

Science (with a Physics component).

AIRCR AF T ARMAMENT TECHNICIANTR AINEESHIPS

ARMAMENT TECHNICIAN

AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FIT TER

AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN

AVIONICS TECHNICIAN

AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN

CARPENTER

COMMUNICATION ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN

MOTOR MECHANIC(GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN)

PLUMBER


A IRCR AF T TECHNICIAN


As an Aircraft Technician you will have the

chance to work on some of our nation’s

most advanced aircraft. This could be the

gig for you if you’re technically minded

and have an interest in aircraft.

You’ll never get bored as you will always

have a variety of duties undertake

such as: maintenance of aircraft and

engine systems; inspection, removal and

installation of aircraft components, and

disassembly and reassembly of aircraft

components.

The Weapon Systems you will be working

on are:

⁄ • Fighter (F/A-18A/B Hornet, Hawk 127,

PC-9/A)

⁄ • Surveillance (AP-3C Orion,

E-7A Wedgetail)

⁄ • Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and

⁄ • Transport (C-1305J, C-17A

Globemaster III, KC-30 A MRTT,

KA 350 King Air)




RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for approximately

37 weeks of initial trade training. After

graduation you will be posted to a RAAF

Base for employment as an Aircraft

Fitter, where you will undergo on-the-

job training. Following a minimum of

24 months experience and successful

completion of the skills log you will qualify

for a nationally recognised Australian

Qualification Framework trade certificate

and be regarded to technician status.

Career progression opportunities such as

supervisory roles and promotions exist for

airmen and airwomen who demonstrate

expertise in their field.

WHAT YOU NEED


Year 10 with passes in English, Maths

and Science (with a Physics component).

The further skills required will be gained

through your training with the Air Force.



As an Aeronautical Life Support Fitter

you’ll be responsible for the maintenance

of survival equipment so that the aircraft

and aircrew are kept safe. Your duties will

include removal, installation, inspection

and repair of aircraft rescue and survival

equipment and training aircrew and

passengers in the use of that equipment.




RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for 26 weeks

where you will undergo your Aeronautical

Life Support course. Following this, you

will complete on-the-job training at a

RAAF Base for 12 months. Successful

completion of the skills log will see you

progress to Advanced Aeronautical Life

Support Fitter status. Career progression

opportunities such as supervisory roles

and promotions exist for airmen and


their field.

WHAT YOU NEED



Science. The further skills required for this

role will be gained through your training

with the Air Force.

AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FIT TER



As an Avionics Technician in the Air

Force, you’ll have one of the most critical

roles of keeping avionic systems and

equipment working. You’ll be employed in

a variety of roles such as aircraft oxygen

replenishment and inspection and removal

and installation of aircraft components.

You’ll also be trained in fault diagnosis and

testing of electrical power generation and

distribution systems.

Take your electronics career up a notch,

by working on world-renowned Weapons

Systems such as:

⁄ Fighter (F/A-18A/B Hornet, Hawk 127,

PC-9/A);

⁄ Surveillance (AP-3C Orion,

E-7A Wedgetail);

⁄ Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and

⁄ Transport (C-130J Hercules,

C-17A Globemaster, KC-30A MRTT,

KA350 King Air).




RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for approximately

37 weeks. After graduation you will be

posted to a RAAF Base for employment

as an Avionics Fitter, where you will

undergo on-the-job training to gain

further experience Following a minimum

of 24 months experience and successful

completion of the skills log you will qualify

for a nationally recognised Australian

Qualification Framework trade certificate

and be regarded to technician status.

Career progression opportunities such as

supervisory roles and promotions exist for

airmen and airwomen who demonstrate

expertise in their field.

WHAT YOU NEED



and Science (with a Physics component).

The further skills required will be gained

through your training with the Air Force.

AVIONICS TECHNICIAN



You’ll be an important member of the

Airfield Engineering Organisation and

bring a high level of trade skill, adaptability

and technical creativity to a variety of

tasks including site planning, excavations,

timber constructions, steel constructions

and concreting. There’s great job security,

you’ll work with the best equipment and

there’s always the bonus of furthering

your skills.


After recruit training you’ll undertake

14 months carpentry trade training at the

Army School of Electrical and Mechanical

Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria.

From there its 12-18 months of on the

job experience based at the School of

Military Engineering in Moorebank,

New South Wales.

Finally you’ll be off to the RAAF Security

& Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for 7

weeks. Then you can be posted to a unit in

either Williamtown, Townsville, Amberley or

Richmond. After which, other positions at

different locations will become open to you.

Already qualified? Then following recruit

training it’ll be just the 7 weeks at the

RAAF Security & Fire School, then straight

to work.

Opportunities exist for further specialist

training and supervisory courses, such

as Construction Foreman Training. There

are also opportunities to move into more

senior roles such as Works Supervisor

and follow a career path up to Warrant



their field.

WHAT YOU NEED

Trainee Entry

⁄ Completed Year 10 education with

passes in English, Mathematics, Science

and one other subject.

Qualified Entry

⁄ Certificate III in Carpentry ; or

⁄ Approved dated equivalents - Certificate

Carpentry and Joinery, or Certificate of

Completion of Apprenticeship Carpenter

and Joiner; and

⁄ • Completed 12 months productive

employment in the trade.

CARPENTER

COMMUNICATION ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN


You probably couldn’t find a more ideal

place for an electronics expert to be

working than in the Air Force, amongst

highly sophisticated ground-based

telecommunications and electronic

systems. You’ll learn how to repair, install,

test and diagnose faults in all kinds of

electronic systems, from radar, radios,

satellites and computer systems.


After recruit training, you will attend

HMAS Cerberus at Crib Point, VIC for 38

weeks where you will undergo your initial

trade training. After graduation, you will

be posted to a RAAF Base for employment

as a Communication Electronic Fitter,

where you will undergo on-the-job training

required for completion of a skills log.

After successful completion you will be

issued a nationally recognised Australian

Qualification Framework (AQF) Level III

Certificate in Engineering – Electrical/

Electronics Trade, and be regarded to

technician status. Career progression

opportunities such as supervisory roles

and promotions exist for airmen and


their field.

WHAT YOU NEED



Science. Completion of a Basic Electronics

Certificate would be an advantage.

Alternatively, if you hold a Certificate III

in Engineering (Electrical/Electronics)

with achievements in Air Force recognised

competencies you may be able to enlist as

a qualified entrant.



In the Air Force you can flex your

mechanical muscles on some of

the biggest and best vehicles and

equipment around. As a mechanic in

the Air Force, also known as a Ground

Support Equipment Technician, you’ll

be looking after the ongoing repairs

and modifications to transport vehicles,

ground support equipment, aircraft

arrestor systems, excavators, front end

loaders, quad bikes and fuel trucks.



Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC)

at Bonegilla, VIC for approximately 18

months to undergo your Heavy Vehicle

Mechanic Course. On-the-job training is

completed with at least 12 months as a

Ground Support Equipment Fitter, where

you must complete a Competency Log

Book. Upon completion of the training

and the Log Book, you will be awarded

your nationally recognised Australian

Qualification Framework (AQF) Level III

Certificate in Automotive Mechanical

Technology (Heavy Vehicle Road

Transport) and be regarded to technician

status. Career progression opportunities

such as supervisory roles and promotions

exist for airmen and airwomen who


WHAT YOU NEED



and Science.

Alternatively, if you have completed

a motor mechanic apprenticeship/

traineeship in alignment with the

Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA)

Automotive Industry Retail, Service

and Repair Certificate Level III in

Automotive (Mechanical Heavy Vehicle

Road Transport); or Certificate Level III

training in Automotive (Mechanical Light

Vehicle), you may be able to enlist as a

qualified entrant.

MOTOR MECHANIC (GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN)


PLUMBER


You’re a long way from the day-to-day

grind of a regular plumbing job when you

take up a position in the Air Force. Imagine

being part of a team responsible for

setting up running water to a temporary

airbase during a natural disaster.


After recruit training you’ll undertake

16 months of trade training at the Army

School of Electrical and Mechanical

Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria.

From there its 12-18 months of on the job

experience based at the School of Military

Engineering in Moorebank, New South

Wales.

Finally you’ll be off to the RAAF Security

& Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for 7

weeks. Then you can be posted to a field

unit in either Townsville, Amberley or

Richmond. After which, other positions at

different locations will become open

to you.

Already qualified? Then following recruit

training it’ll be just the 7 weeks at the

RAAF Security & Fire School, then straight

to work.

Opportunities also exist to complete

further specialist training and supervisory

courses such as Construction Foreman

Training. There are also opportunities to

move into more senior roles such as

Works Supervisor and follow a career

path up to Warrant Officer – a position

for senior airmen and airwomen who


WHAT YOU NEED

Trainee Entry

⁄ Completed Year 10 education with

passes in English, Mathematics, Science

and one other subject.

Qualified Entry

⁄ Certificate III in Plumbing.

⁄ Current unrestricted Plumbers licence

or registered Plumbers licence; or

⁄ Approved dated equivalents -

Certificate in Plumbing and Gas

Fitting; Certificate of Completion of

Apprenticeship

⁄ A current Gas Fitter’s licence is an

advantage. However, if you don’t,

Service arrangements will be made to

meet licensing requirements.

2 4 A IR FORCE T R ADES

HOW TO GE T INVOLVEDSo you’ve chosen the trades career that best

suits you, and like the sound of life in the Air

Force. Now it’s time to take the next step and

get involved.

NE X T STEPS

CALL 13 19 01 OR VISIT DEFENCE JOBS.GOV.AU/AIRFORCE

BASE LOCAT IONS

Nor thern Terr i tor yRAAF Base Darwin

RAAF Base Tindal

QueenslandRAAF Base Townsville

RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Scherger

New South WalesRAAF Base Williamtown

RAAF Base Glenbrook

RAAF Base Richmond

RAAF Base Wagga

Aus tral ian Capi tal Terr i tor yRussell Offices

Defence Establishment Fairbain

Vic tor iaRAAF Base East Sale

RAAF Williams

South Aus tral iaRAAF Base Edinburgh

Western Aus tral iaRAAF Base Pearce

RAAF Base Curtin

RAAF Base Learmonth

TasmaniaNo. 29 Squadron

RAAF Base Darwin

RAAF Base Tindal

RAAF Base Scherger

RAAF Base Townsville

RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Edinburgh

RAAF WilliamsRAAF Base East Sale

Defence EstablishmentFairbain

RAAF Base Williamtown

RAAF Base Glenbrook

RAAF Base Richmond

RAAF Base Wagga

RAAF Base Pearce

RAAF Base Curtin

RAAF Base Learmonth

No. 29 Squadron

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 13 19 01 OR VISITDEFENCE JOBS.GOV.AU/AIRFORCE

AFM0024M-03 Information correct as of May 2014

AIR FORCE TRADES - Defence Jobscontent.defencejobs.gov.au/pdf/airforce/AirForceTrades_21052014.pdfFITTER & TURNER ... first aid, weapons handling and how to be a ... call 13 19 01

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