About the Job

This is a role with so much variety, as you’ll work on an array of exciting equipment, ensuring each day is different to the last. As an Air Force Motor Mechanic, you’ll be responsible for the maintenance of motor vehicles, and you’ll interact directly with Defence aircraft systems. One day you could be on a runway servicing an aircraft arrestor system, the next day you could be servicing fire vehicles in a workshop, refuelling fuel trucks or keeping track of thousands of litres of aviation fuel.

What you'll do

Your day-to-day tasks could include the diagnosis, service, and repair of:

  • Defence plant
  • Aircraft Arrestor Systems
  • Electrical Systems and Components
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems
  • Heavy Vehicles
  • Aviation Ground Support Equipment.

As a Motor Mechanic, you are responsible for:

  • Modification of selected Ground and Aviation support systems
  • Safe operation of the ground and aviation fuel installations
  • Aviation fuel quality on Defence sites
  • Safe operation of the aircraft Arrestor System on Defence airfields and sites.

The duties of a Motor Mechanic are critical to Air Force operational effectiveness and directly support capability outcomes. You will be required to exercise critical thinking and judgement whilst conducting the roles, tasks and responsibilities that support maintenance to ensure the continued integrity of Defence Ground and Aviation Systems.

In the Air Force, this role is known as Ground Support Equipment Fitter (GSEFITT).


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

National Qualifications

Defence is a nationally Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This registration allows the Defence RTO to issue national awards to ADF members, which are the same as those provided by Universities and other Institutes of TAFE.

Following completion of the Army Technical and Trade Vehicle Technician Course and completion of your Competency Log Book (Journal), you will be issued with:

  • Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy Vehicle Road Transport)
  • Certificate II in Automotive Mechanical Air Conditioning
  • Licence to perform dogging

Salary & Allowances

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

You may be posted to most Air Force bases and other Defence Establishments within Australia, as well as limited overseas opportunities.


Requirements

Age

You can start your application at sixteen and a half years, but you must be at least seventeen years on the day you join the Air Force.

The maximum age that you can join is sixty years, minus the period of obligation.

For example, if your obligation is six years, you can join at fifty-four years.

Education & Experience

You must have completed Year 10 with passes in English, Mathematics and Science (incorporating a physics component).

Note: Consumer, General Maths and Modified Maths subjects are not suitable for this job.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum educational requirements may be considered if they possess:

  • Relevant work experience
  • Other related qualifications that support recognition of prior learning consideration against the Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade, or
  • Other tertiary qualifications.
Note: If you do not satisfy the education requirements or do not possess evidence of Year 10 educational attainment, you may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency assessment.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before enlistment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

Your initial obligation will be for six years. However, there is a grace period where you can choose to resign from the Air Force up until the time you become eligible to graduate from your Initial Employment Training.

Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

Further Requirements:
  • Possess well-developed hand-skills and hand-eye coordination
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Be prepared to sustain periods of heavy lifting
  • Be prepared to work under pressure
  • Be comfortable working in confined spaces and
  • Demonstrate ability to analyse, problem-solve, and trouble-shoot simple to complex systems or the potential to develop this.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the JOA and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by your ADF Careers Centre during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
Duration: 9 weeks

During this training you will transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role; and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.

Follow the link to learn more about what to expect at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU)

Employment Training

Army Technical and Trade Vehicle Technician course
Duration: 18 months
Location: Army School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (ASEME), Bonegilla, Vic.

On completion of 1RTU, you will complete Initial Employment Training at ASEME where you will undertake Initial Employment Training.

Whilst undertaking IET, you will learn the core of your trade, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, covering brakes and suspension, steering, engines, transmission, hydraulic and fuel systems and more.

You will also learn the service and equipment specific maintenance and operations activities for:

  • Protected Mobility General Maintenance Vehicle
  • General Maintenance Module fitted to the G-Wagon
  • Medium Maintenance Shelter, and
  • How to conduct maintenance activities in the field environment.

Following successful completion of your training at ASEME, you will be posted to an operational Air Force unit to complete a skills consolidation (on-the-job) period, receive a contextualised overview of what your role is and what responsibilities will be required of you in the workplace, together with instruction on general and technical administration procedures.

Further Training

Rank Progression

After 12 months on-the-job experience at an operational unit you will become eligible for promotion to Leading Aircraftman/Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) Advanced GSEFITT. Progression beyond LAC/LACW Advanced GSEFITT is based on further training and/or periods of employment. Opportunities are available for advancement, in competition with your peers, through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

Technician Progression

There are a number of career options that provide for employment beyond GSEFITT however, in every instance, advancement is competitive and strictly according to Service requirements.

Advanced GSEFITT will become eligible for regrade to Ground Support Equipment Technician (GSETECH) following successful completion of the following GSETECH suite of courses:

  • Restricted Electrical Work
  • Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration training, and
  • GSE Technician course.

As you progress through your career, there may be opportunities to undertake additional technical training which is usually equipment specific. There will be opportunities to apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personal management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard, and you might further consider applying for Promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

You may be posted to most Air Force bases and other Defence Establishments within Australia, as well as limited overseas opportunities.


Requirements

Age

You can start your application at sixteen and a half years, but you must be at least seventeen years on the day you join the Air Force.

The maximum age that you can join is sixty years, minus the period of obligation.

For example, if your obligation is four years, you can join at fifty-six years.

Education & Experience

Qualified Entry

Applicants must hold at least one of these trade qualifications:

  • Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
  • Certificate III in Engineering - Electronic Trade
  • Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, or
  • Equivalent qualification delivered by a recognised training institution.

In addition, applicants applying for qualified entry are to provide evidence of high school results detailing successful completion at a Year 10 level with passes in English, Mathematics and Science (incorporating a physics component). Consumer and Modified Mathematics subjects do not count towards this prerequisite.

Note: If you do not satisfy the education requirements or do not possess evidence of Year 10 educational attainment, you may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency assessment.
Important Note: Applicants must provide certified true copies of original trade certificates, academic transcripts, and a current resume to their Careers Coach. The Air Force will review your evidence and determine if any recognition of prior learning may be offered.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before enlistment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

Your initial obligation will be for four years. However, there is a grace period where you can choose to resign from the Air Force up until the time you become eligible to graduate from your Initial Employment Training.

Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.

Additional Requirements

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

Further Requirements
  • Possess well-developed hand-skills and hand-eye coordination
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Be prepared to sustain periods of heavy lifting
  • Be prepared to work under pressure
  • Be comfortable working in confined spaces and
  • Demonstrate ability to analyse, problem-solve, and trouble-shoot simple to complex systems or the potential to develop this.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the JOA and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by your ADF Careers Centre during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
Duration: 9 weeks

During this training you will transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role; and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.

Follow the link to learn more about what to expect at No. 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU)

Employment Training

On completion of initial military training at RAAF Wagga, you will be posted to the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (ASEME), Bonegilla, VIC. Here you will undertake additional employment training to gain skills and system specific knowledge you don't already bring to the Air Force. The length of additional employment training will depend on your specific skill level and Air Force can identify the level of gap-training required before you join.

For applicants who join with one of the following Certificates, you will only be required to complete limited Unit of Competence and service specific training requirements based on a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment against the Army Technical Trade Vehicle Technician Course:

  • Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  • Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, or
  • Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology

For applicants who join with one of the following Certificates, you may be required to complete most, if not all, of the Units of Competence and service specific training requirements based on a RPL Assessment against the Army Technical Trade Vehicle Technician Course:

  • Certificate III in Engineering - Electronic Trade
  • Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning; or
  • Equivalent qualification delivered by a recognised training institution.

Following successful completion of your training at ASEME, you will be posted to an operational Air Force unit to complete a skills consolidation (on-the-job) period (if required) and receive a contextualised overview of what your role is and what responsibilities will be required of you in the workplace, together with instruction on general and technical administration procedures.

Further Training

Rank Progression

After 12 months of on-the-job experience at an operational unit, you will become eligible for promotion to Leading Aircraftman/Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) Advanced GSEFITT. Progression beyond LAC/LACW Advanced GSEFITT is based on further training and/or periods of employment. Opportunities are available for advancement, in competition with your peers, through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

Technician Progression

There are a number of career options that provide for employment beyond GSEFITT however, in every instance, advancement is competitive and strictly according to Service requirements.

Advanced GSEFITT will become eligible for regrade to Ground Support Equipment Technician (GSETECH) following successful completion of the following GSETECH suite of courses:

  • Restricted Electrical Work
  • Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration training, and
  • GSE Technician course.

As you progress through your career, there may be opportunities to undertake additional technical training which is usually equipment specific. There will be opportunities to apply for non-technical roles within areas such as personal management, workforce planning, Military Skills Instructing and the Australian Federation Guard, and you might further consider applying for Promotion to Officer Rank within selected categories.