There are a number of career options that provide for employment beyond Aircraft Technician, however, in every instance, advancement is competitive and strictly according to Service requirements, regardless of which career path is chosen. The following options are available:

Progression Through Promotion.

Aircraft Technicians may choose to remain at the Technician skill level and seek advancement through the ranks to Warrant Officer. This career option provides for a wide variety of employment on aircraft and in workshop environments.

Progression to Advanced Technician (Non-Destructive Technician - NDT).

Aircraft Technicians may be recognised as Advanced Aircraft Technician (NDT) through competitive selection, training and employment in the NDT employment field. Once in the NDT field, members will progress through the ranks to Warrant Officer in competition with other NDTs. It is not expected that the member will return to Aircraft employment.

Progression to Systems Technician.

Corporal (CPL) Aircraft Technicians are eligible to apply for training leading to remuster to Aircraft Systems Technician (ASYSTECH) after two years experience as a CPL. Such progression will require completion of a formal course of study at the Advanced Diploma level and completion of the Systems Technician Course. Applications for selection will generally be called for annually. In cases where an individual claims RPL at the para-professional level, validation of the claim is the responsibility of the Commanding Officer RAAF School of Technical Training. Graduates from the Systems Technician Course are remustered and promoted to Sergeant (SGT) ASYSTECH.

Explosive Ordnance Employment Stream.

After completing training as either an Aircraft Technician or Avionics Technician, you are eligible to become a specialist in the Explosive Ordnance Employment Stream. As distinct from being an Aircraft or Avionics Technician who spends limited time in the explosive ordnance area, if you elect this path you will be primarily employed in the Explosive Ordnance area. You will be responsible for maintaining the aircraft weapon systems from the computers on board the aircraft through to the actual missile or bomb. As part of a team, you will also prepare, load and handle various aircraft weapons such as practice bombs, unguided and guided bombs, air to air missiles, anti ship missiles and torpedoes. You’ll also maintain ejection seats and aircraft fire extinguishing systems. With further training, you can become a Demolition Operator. As a Demolition Operator, you will learn how to safely dispose of unexploded or unserviceable ordnance and pyrotechnics. Demolition Operators can also go on to undertake more specialised training in Improvised Explosive Device Disposal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.