Employment Training

Other Ranks (Technical), Qualified

For Trainee Entry:

Fitter Armament Course: Approximately 18 months (Self Paced Training)

On the Job training: 12 Months

Initial trade training is conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME) which is located within the Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC) in Victoria. The courses and competencies attained by a Fitter Armament are gained through successful completion of the Army Technical and Trades Fitter Armament Course (ATTFA). This training is self paced and is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months.

Students are taught general machining and fitting skills, welding, oxygen and acetylene cutting, sheet metal and metal fabrication, the repair of small engines, pumps and hydraulic systems, as well as the repair of Army in-service small arm weapons.

Following completion of the residential component of the course, students are posted to a Regional Training Centre to complete a 12 month nominal On the Job Training (OJT) program before becoming fully qualified.

Qualified Tradesperson Entry:

Civilian qualified fitter & turner, fitter machinist or maintenance fitter trades people will be informed of their employment training requirements once ALTC has mapped their trade qualifications and identified the Army specific competencies they are required to complete.

Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)

Applicants will be informed of their employment training requirements once ALTC has assessed their qualifications and identified competencies required of them as an Army Reserve Fitter Armament trades person.

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.