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Eligibility Checklist

Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You'll find detailed information on the <a href="?tab=ways-to-join">Ways to join</a> tab.

Receive nationally recognised trade training
Join the ADF and learn a trade. You&rsquo;ll receive all the training you need, be paid while you train and can earn industry-recognised qualifications. 
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those seeking nationally recognised trade training to undertake hands-on tasks.

You'll be paid while you train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Training

Your starting salary

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Air Force you'll be paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications.

General Entry: Technical

Following successful completion and attainment of competency standards, you’ll be issued with a Certificate III in Engineering and a licence to perform dogging. 

Technician Progression 

As a Fitter and Turner, you can undergo advanced machinist training to become a Ground Mechanical Engineer Technician (GMETECH). This involves the successful completion of the Advanced Aircraft Machining course, which includes computer numerical control subjects. This course is managed by RAAFSTT Wagga and may be undertaken at various training locations. Please note, as there are only 2 GMETECH positions in the Air Force, availability is dependent on workforce requirements. 

As you progress through your career, you may have opportunities to undertake additional training which will qualify you in: 
<ul>
<li>Restricted Electrical Work </li>
<li>Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (leading to a qualification in Cert III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade-Refrigeration and Air Conditioning). </li>
</ul>
Generally, after completing your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS), you can also apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personal management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard. You might also consider applying for promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories. 

Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to pursue advanced machinist training, which is a requirement for promotion to Ground Mechanical Technician (GMETECH). The course provides theoretical and practical instruction on material cutting processes for aircraft and ground support equipment components, including the identification of aircraft materials, cutting tools selection, OH&S in aviation and aircraft documentation.

Find a role in your chosen profession
Apply your existing skills to exciting new challenges in the ADF. Pursue your profession and earn a competitive salary plus allowances and benefits you won&rsquo;t get with other jobs. 
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those who already hold recognised qualifications.

General Entry: Qualified

Technician Progression 

As a Fitter and Turner, you can undergo advanced machinist training to become a Ground Mechanical Engineer Technician (GMETECH). This involves the successful completion of the Advanced Aircraft Machining course, which includes computer numerical control subjects. This course is managed by RAAFSTT Wagga and may be undertaken at various training locations. Please note, as there are only 2 GMETECH positions in the Air Force, availability is dependent on workforce requirements. 

As you progress through your career, you may have opportunities to undertake additional training which will qualify you in: 
<ul>
<li>Restricted Electrical Work </li>
<li>Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (leading to a qualification in Cert III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade-Refrigeration and Air Conditioning). </li> 
</ul>

Generally, after completing your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS), you can also apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personal management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard. You might also consider applying for promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories.

Key Information

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Interested? Complete an Expression of Interest and we'll be in touch.

Hear first-hand about what working in the ADF is really like. 

Explore what training in the Air Force will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

As a Fitter and Turner, you'll manufacture, maintain and repair the vital machinery that enables the Air Force to fly. You’ll work across a wide range of aircraft and other Air Force materiel, including aircraft maintenance jigs, test and measurement equipment, and small arms weapons systems that keep the Air Force airborne.

You'll repair and maintain equipment such as all-terrain vehicles, aircraft arrestor systems, refuelling equipment, hydraulic systems and weapons. You’ll use your critical thinking and good judgement on a daily basis while carrying out your duties that support maintenance to ensure the integrity of Defence Ground and Aviation Systems. This is a rewarding and varied role that offers opportunities for travel, including deployments overseas.

Apply your maintenance skills and knowledge to various military assets from ground support equipment to aircraft arrestor systems, weapons systems and fuel installation operations. 

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Fitter & Turner

Find out what it’s like

Benefits you won't see anywhere else

You’ll enjoy the following:

Great salary from day one, which increases with experience

Generous superannuation of 16.4% – a huge 4.9% over the Australian standard

Help to buy a home, a subsidised home loan or rent allowance

Free medical and dental for you, and subsidised healthcare for you and your family

Fully paid training

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