About the Job

Plumbers serve in the Royal Australian Engineer Corps, in both Construction Squadrons and Combat Engineer Regiments. Plumbers are responsible for performing advanced drainage, sanitary, water supply, roof plumbing, intermediate gas and mechanical services. Plumbers also perform plumbing and general building tasks associated with the construction, repair and maintenance of vertical and horizontal structures and the provision of engineering services.

Plumbers are required to perform the following duties:

  • Apply plumbing trade skills
  • Check stores, materials and equipment
  • Conform to Quality Assurance (QA) requirements
  • Assist in site preparation
  • Interpret Government sponsored building standards, codes and regulations
  • Interpret technical literature and data from various sources
  • Assist in planning for building tasks
  • Assist in the maintenance of workplace health and safety
  • Maintain tools and equipment
  • Assist with the preparation of bills of materials
  • Conduct site inspections for minor construction tasks
  • Provide advice to, and liaise with project personnel on matters relating to plumbing and construction requirements
  • Order and purchase project stores
  • Assist in site set-out
  • Provide workplace training for non-skilled labourers
  • Provide detailed site sketches
  • Interpret plans, specifications and drawings
  • Assist in the compilation of specifications, scope of works and cost estimates
  • Comply with simple procurement procedures
  • Assist in the performance of combat engineering tasks
  • Deploy to the field
  • Perform administrative duties commensurate with rank
  • Provide plumbing/construction support during Exercises/Operations and
  • Perform military duties
In-Service Information
Employment Category Number (ECN): 314
Employment Category: Combat Support


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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

After six years you'll not only have Army trade proficiency but also excellent long-term employment prospects. Your trade training is fully accredited with exportability of that trade qualification into the civil community providing a broader scope for your future employment.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army 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

Plumbers are mainly employed in Combat Engineer Regiments and Construction Squadrons located at:

  • QLD - Townsville, Amberley, Brisbane
  • NSW - Sydney
  • NT - Darwin

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

For Trainee Entry: Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Consumer Mathematics, and two other subjects, preferably with an Industrial Arts content.

These entry qualifications are the minimum required to facilitate understanding of the engineering principles encountered during later phases of training.

Note: Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable subjects for entry to the Army Technical and Trade Scheme.

If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, 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 appointment.

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

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

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 Job Opportunities Assessment 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 DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

As a General Entry recruit, you’ll be required to complete the Recruit Course.

Army Recruit Course
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

During training, you will take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.

Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

For more information, visit Soldier Training at Kapooka.

Employment Training

After completing Recruit Training, plumber trainees undertake the following training:

  • Trainees complete Phase One (16 days), Phase Two (23 days) and Phase Four (14 days) of the Combat Engineer course at the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy, Sydney, NSW.

  • 16 month initial trade training plumber course at the Army School of Electrical Mechanical Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria. Trainees are taught introductory skills in drainage, sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, roofing, mechanical services and water supply. Studies that will lead to licensing include drainage, sanitary plumbing, roofing and water supply and

  • This is followed by 24 to 36 months of On-the-Job experience conducted by School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy, utilizing civilian contractors in the Sydney area, with possible detachments to RAE units

Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

Further Training

Throughout their military career, Army tradespersons are expected to undertake formal courses of both a military and technical nature in order to be eligible for promotion and widen their technical competence.


This entry method is currently not recruiting

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 Army 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

Plumbers are mainly employed in Combat Engineer Regiments and Construction Squadrons located at:

  • QLD - Townsville, Amberley, Brisbane
  • NSW - Sydney
  • NT - Darwin

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process will be completed prior to a Letter of Offer (LOO) being sent. The LOO will detail any competency gap training required to be qualified. This gap training will be undertaken as part of your initial trade training.

Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

Completion of Australian Year 9 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics together with completion of an approved apprenticeship or an approved traineeship at a recognised training institution and any period of full-time employment stipulated for the trade.

Suitable trade qualifications include:

  • Certificate III in Plumbing

  • Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting

  • Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship Plumbing and Gasfitting

  • Trade Certificate for Plumber and Gasfitting

  • Certificate of proficiency in Plumbing and Gasfitting.

The applicant must also have the following essential criteria:

  • Demonstrated competency in the trade, with continuous, recent employment. Applicant needs to have current references displaying the type of work that they are currently carrying out.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a variety of trade environments being Domestic, Semi-Industrial and / or Underground Services and
  • Proof of employment (3 x referees - mandatory last employer)

The applicant may also have the following desirable criteria:

  • Possession of Qualified Supervisors Certificate
  • Possession of current Construction Industry Induction training card
  • Provide copies of construction industry licences/qualifications
  • Demonstrated confined spaces experience and
  • Demonstrated ability to work in an isolated area

Also refer to Recognition of Prior Learning for further details.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, 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 appointment.

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

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

If you have only received partial recognition of your qualifications, you will be advised of the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) after the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete. The IMPS will be between four and seven years.

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 Job Opportunities Assessment 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 DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

As a General Entry recruit, you’ll be required to complete the Recruit Course.

Army Recruit Course
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

During training, you will take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.

Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

For more information, visit Soldier Training at Kapooka.

Employment Training

At the completion of your Recruit training, you will undertake Phase One (16 days), Phase Two (23 days) and Phase Four (14 days) of the Combat Engineer course at the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy, Sydney, NSW.

Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you may be required to complete military specific Units of Competency at the Army Logistic Training Centre as part of your initial employment training.

Further Training

Throughout their military career, Army tradespersons are expected to undertake formal courses of both a military and technical nature in order to be eligible for promotion and widen their technical competence.