General Entry (Technical Trainee) is the term used to describe the large number of technical jobs available to people entering the Air Force as Airmen (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided. Each Airman job in the Air Force is referred to as a mustering; for example, Ground Support Equipment Fitter is a mustering.

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.

The Air Force has a system whereby serving Airmen and Airwomen 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.

There are three means of entry into the Air Force as a GSE Fitter:

Fully Qualified Entry

This means of entry is available to those applicants that have formal documentation proving that they are qualified to Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical - Heavy Vehicle Road Transport).

Partially Qualified Entry

This means of entry is available to applicants who have completed a Motor Vehicle Mechanics traineeship/apprenticeship and hold a Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical – Light Vehicle).

Trainee Level Entry

This means of entry is available to those applicants that have received limited or no formal training in the Automotive Mechanics industry and would like to undergo Motor Mechanic training.

Note: Applicants applying for Full or Partial qualified entry are to provide certified true copies of their education and trade certificates as well as a current resume to their Careers Counsellor. These documents will then be forwarded to the Directorate of Personnel - Air Force for assessment.