Employment Training
Other Ranks (Technical)
Fitter Course.
Duration: 30-38 weeks depending on trainee's ability.
Location: HMAS CERBERUS at Crib Point, Victoria.
The Fitter Course provides underpinning theoretical knowledge in electronics which is reinforced through conducting practical exercises and assessments on circuit cards using common test equipment. It also includes training on safety, basic use of hand tools, wiring and cable termination, soldering, IT equipment, and Air Force maintenance procedures. The majority of the course is instructed by qualified specialist civilian instructors in a joint Air Force and Navy training environment. A large portion of the course is conducted in Flexible Learning Centres using Computer Aided Instruction (CAI), allowing the trainee some degree of control over the learning pace. Air Force specific modules are conducted in single service classes prior to graduating.
On completion of this training, trainees graduate as an Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (AC/ACW) Communication Electronic Fitter Grade 1 and are then posted to an air base to undergo on-the-job training. Graduates are issued with a competency log journal which requires them to be assessed against various competency based tasks. Upon successful completion of the journal they will be awarded a Certificate III in Engineering – Electrical/Electronics Trade.
Fitter Progression.
On completion of basic recruit training and the Communication Electronic Fitters course, the member is regraded to AC/ACW Communication Electronic Fitter Grade 1 (CEFITT1). After 12 months of employment as a Fitter Grade 1 and completion of part 1 of their competency log journal, the member will be promoted to Leading Aircraftman/Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) and regraded to Communication Electronic Fitter Grade 2 (CEFITT2).
Progression to Communication Electronic Technician (CETECH) is achieved after successful completion of the competency log journal and a further 12 months on the job training. Eligibility for further promotion through the ranks to Warrant Officer will be in competition with all other time qualified members within rank.
Qualified
Direct Entry:
On completion of recruit training, the direct entry member will be re-classified from Recruit Trainee to a grade and rank dependant on their prior qualifications and/or work experience. All direct entry applications are assessed on a case by case basis. The member will then be posted to HMAS Cerberus to undergo RCC/RPL assessment and to complete Air Force specific modules and any outstanding off-the-job training identified by HMAS Cerberus.
On successful completion of Air Force specific modules and off-the-job training, the member will be posted to an air base and will be required to complete any gaps identified in their competency prior to being regraded as a Communication Electronic Technician (CETECH).
The mandatory two (2) years experience as a fitter is generally waived and it is up to the member to complete their competencies as soon as possible. In some cases seniority can be awarded depending on the persons work and/or military experience.