On completion of Initial Technical Training, all eligible personnel will receive the nationally recognised qualification of Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.

All sailors may serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis in different geographical locations.

Applicants may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align their civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.

The RPL process will occur in two stages:

• The stage level will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) status can be awarded
• The second phase of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training, and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements

RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training (OJT) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide, and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T status.

ET sailors achieving QES-T status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T has been granted. List of Trades recognised by Navy for RPL is as follows:

Electronics Technician

Certificate of Trade Studies (Radio and Television Servicing) Certificate of due completion of Apprenticeship (Electronics)

Electrical Engineering-Computer Technology-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering-Electronics-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electronics-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Electronics)

Electronics Tradesperson (Scanning and Detection Systems)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate IV (AQF)

Electrotechnology Data Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Scanning-Certificate III (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Systems) (Electronic trades) (6004)

Electrical Engineering-Computer Technology-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering-Electronics-Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Engineering (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Computer Technology)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electrical Technology (Electronics)-Advanced Diploma (AQF)

Electronics-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Electronics)

Electronics Tradesperson (Scanning and Detection Systems) (7794)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Computer Systems-Certificate IV (AQF)

Electrotechnology Data Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Scanning-Certificate III (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Systems) (6030)

Electronics (Communications)-Certificate III (AQF)

Electronics Tradesperson (Communications) (2895)

Electrotechnology Communications-Certificate III (AQF)

Electrotechnology Communications-Certificate IV (AQF)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Communications) (6030)

Radio Fitter Mechanic (Electronic Communications) (Electronic Trades) (6004)

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, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.

For the General Entry, Electronic Technician Sailor Category, you must have successfully completed Year 10 with passes in English, Mathematics and Science (preferably with Physics content).

Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Yr 10 Trade and

Business Maths is acceptable.

To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. 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 test before appointment.

For more details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF, Medical Process for Entry into the ADF and Physical Employment Standards once you're in the ADF.

You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School and Officer training.

Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)

The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training.

Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario. Competency in the RANST is achieved through successful completion of each component comprising:

• A safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls
• A 10m underwater swim in overalls
• A 50m swim using three safety strokes
• The ability to tread water or float for 15 mins in overalls

Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.

All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. On enlistment if you elect to serve an open ended enlistment, you will be able to serve until retirement age, subject to your continued suitability for service. If you elect to serve for a fixed period of service, subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.

If you are female and keen to join the Navy as an Electronic Technician, you have the option of applying for a two-year role.

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

The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests which may include verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional testing at a later date.

Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.

The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Only Australian Citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.

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 Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant’s successful progression through to Navy employment and training. It is strongly recommended that all applicants provide the required documents as early as possible in the recruiting process to avoid any delays in their training and employment.

Details regarding the security requirements for all Navy jobs can be found here.

Duration: 11 weeks

Location: Crib Point, Victoria

The Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an independent unit within the greater training environment of Cerberus.

The eleven week recruit course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your Navy career. The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to ensure recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.

Recruits, who successfully complete the course including the Navy Swimming Test , participate in a Graduation Parade, which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

After graduation, personnel will be posted to category schools at Cerberus or at other training establishments throughout Australia.

During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and Initial Employment Training (IET), members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.

To meet the Royal Australian Navy's requirement of an Electronics Technician, the following training is undertaken on completion of Recruit training:

Course: Electronics Technician Initial Technical Training (ITT)

Duration: 40 weeks

Location: HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria

Note: Prior to commencing employment training, the level of the member's maths ability is assessed to determine whether remedial maths training is required.

The ITT course is delivered by traditional instructor led technical theory and practical instruction and self paced computer aided instruction to equip the sailor with the underpinning knowledge via the award of the following competencies:

• Participate in electronics and communications work and competency development activities
• Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
• Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components
• Solve problems in D.C. circuits
• Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work
• Repair basic electronic apparatus faults by replacement of components
• Troubleshoot single phase input D.C. power supplies
• Troubleshoot digital subsystems
• Troubleshoot amplifiers in an electronic apparatus
• Troubleshoot resonance circuits in an electronic apparatus
• Fault find and repair complex power supplies
• Troubleshoot basic amplifier circuits
• Solve fundamental electronic communications system problems
• Apply environmentally and sustainable energy procedures in the energy sector
• Use computer applications relevant to a workplace
• Comply with scheduled and preventative maintenance program processes
• Solve problems in ELV single path circuits
• Select electronic components for assembly
• Use lead-free soldering techniques
• Assemble, set-up and test computing devices
• Use engineering applications software on personal computers
• Install and configure a client computer operating system and software
• Set up and configure basic local area network (LAN)
• Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications
• Repair predictable faults in general electronic apparatus
• Fault find and repair electronic apparatus
• Solve oscillator problems

Course: Specialisation Training

Duration: 5 - 9 weeks dependent of specialisation

Location: HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria

The specialisation course commences after completion of ITT. Here you will commence your work group training being a Systems, Communications or Weapons rate. You will consolidate your training from ITT and learn basic principals and theories for your specialisation.

Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare sailors for their first deployment to sea which will include Damage Control, Fire Fighting and Survival at Sea.

To provide the ET category with the appropriate continuing level of training, ET sailors are also provided with common and specialist training at promotion from Leading Seaman to Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer and to Warrant Officer ranks.

As ET sailors progress in their Navy careers and complete further technical training and associated competencies, they may be entitled to the award of National Qualifications of Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications to Diploma in Electronics and Communications. Some sailors may have the opportunity to be selected into the Engineer Officer ranks to further their studies via Advanced Diploma or Degree entry schemes.