Employment Training

Other Ranks (Technical)

After completing Recruit Training, carpentry apprentices undertake the following training:

• 14 month initial trade training carpentry course at the Army School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria;
• This is followed by 12-18 months of On-the-Job experience within an RAE unit; and
• 12 week Combat Engineer course at the School of Military Engineering at Moorebank.

Apprentices are taught skills in Housing (sub-floor, framework, roofing and timber finishing); Industrial (formwork, scaffolding, setting out and concreting) and Joinery (doors, windows, and basic stairs).

Qualified

At the completion of your basic military training, you will undertake the Basic Combat Engineers Course of 12 weeks duration at the School of Military Engineering (SME) Moorebank, Sydney NSW.

Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)

Training comprises three modules of 15 days each and one All Corps Soldier Training Module of 12 days duration:

Mod (1): This module can be conducted in RAE Units with training run either continuously or non continuously. Module 1 comprises of the following Combat Engineer Skills:

• RAE Corps history, organisation, roles and tasks;
• Operation and maintenance of a range of hand and power tools;
• Carry out construction tasks using expedient methods and materials;
• Assist in the construction of obstacles;
• Assist in the construction of basic field defences;
• Understand construction plant equipment, capabilities and safety;
• Assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of water supply equipment, pumps and water testing equipment; and
• Operate small powered watercraft and construct improvised watercraft applicable to RAE.

Mod (2): This module is conducted at the School of Military Engineering in Moorebank Sydney NSW. Module 2 comprises the following Combat Engineer Skills:

• Carry out mine laying and clearance tasks;
• Undertake battlefield area clearances;
• Use a range of explosives and accessories to carry out demolition tasks;
• Assemble, maintain and strip a section level dry gap military bridging; and
• Conduct Engineer search tasks.

Mod (3): This Module is conducted at the School of Military Engineering in Moorebank Sydney NSW. Module 3 comprises of the following Combat Engineer Skills:

• Fell, cut and trim selected trees;
• Operate a Mobile Dimensional Saw to mill timber as specified;
• Operate Powder Actuated Tools;
• Set up, operate and maintain larger capacity water supply equipment including a Reverse Osmosis machine;
• Set, operate and maintain watercraft designed to support RAE wet gap crossing operations; and
• Set up, construct, operate and maintain large scale military bridges and rafts.

Mod (4): This Module conducted at the School of Military Engineering in Moorebank Sydney NSW. Module 4 comprises of the All Corps Soldier Training Skills:

• Employ defensive measures as a member of a section in defence;
• Act as a member of a Section on patrol;
• Employ individual NBCD protective measures;
• Identify and indicate targets using fire control orders;
• Navigate across country by day and night using a range of navigational aids;
• Operate selected night vision equipment;
• Operate selected service weapons in a simulated and on live fire ranges; and
• Comply with the conventions of armed conflict.

Army Reserve Traineeship & Apprenticeship Program

Upon completion of your induction training, you will commence your civilian apprenticeship training to acquire the competencies and skills necessary for the grant of a trade certificate. Your civilian apprenticeship is managed by the GTC. Apprenticeship training consists of formal training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) as well as host employer experience gained through On-the-Job Training (OJT) and On-the-Job Experience (OJE). As a host employer, Army is recognised as a legitimate employer for trade training purposes and may be required to maintain competency logbooks in accordance with GTC and RTO requirements.

As one host employer, the Army will provide the workplace, OJT and OJE and trade supervision and assessment to enable you to achieve your trade qualification. You will normally undertake a total of 15 weeks technical supervision relating to your trade, in addition to your normal parade activities totalling up to 150 ARTD. This period will be broken up into periods of varying lengths with agreement of the GTC and in consideration of the RTO training program. The duration of military-based technical and trade training courses will vary in length but is planned around your civilian apprenticeship program.

You will be issued your tools of trade whilst serving at the Army establishment. If you cease military service prior to the completion of your apprenticeship, it is more than likely you will also cease employment with the GTC but that is their decision. If you cease your apprenticeship prior to obtaining your trade qualification, you will not be entitled to remain in the ARTAP and may be either discharged or reallocated to other duties at the discretion of Army.

Further information on the ARTAP scheme can be found by accessing the ARTAP website.