General Entry (Technical Trainee) Airmen graduate from recruit training with the rank of aircraftman/aircraftwoman and generally progress to leading aircraftman/leading aircraftwoman after 12 months of productive service following completion of trade training. Further promotion to corporal, sergeant, flight sergeant and warrant officer is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies and will normally require the successful completion of a trade test (for promotion to corporal) and promotion exams.

Corporals are referred to as Non-Commissioned Officers, or NCOs, while sergeants and flight sergeants are called Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). Warrant Officer is the most senior Airman rank. A corporal will normally have some responsibility for the supervision of junior staff and this progressively increases on promotion to sergeant and flight sergeant. A warrant officer normally has a substantial personnel management role.

After six years you'll not only have an Air Force Trade Proficiency Certificate but also excellent long-term employment prospects.

The first thing you should decide is the type of trade training you want. Aerospace Trade Training with a choice of Aircraft Structures, Avionic, Aircraft or Aircraft Life Support courses. Or Ground Trade Training with a choice of Communication-Electronic or Ground Support Equipment courses.

The Air Force has a system whereby serving Airmen may, in certain circumstances, be appointed as Officers. The prerequisites vary depending on your mustering, the preferred Officer specialisation, your rank, performance history and a number of other factors.