About the Job

As an Electrical Technician you will have opportunities to work in the workshop, out in the field on domestic exercises, deployments and on humanitarian operations. You will join the Corps of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME).

You will inspect, service, repair and maintain a wide variety of refrigeration, air conditioning, generators (including specialist generation systems) and various portable and non-portable electrical appliances. You will receive comprehensive training throughout your career to master a huge variety of equipment.

As an Electrical Technician, your duties include, but aren’t limited to:

  • diagnosing, maintaining and repairing the Army's fleet of power generation equipment, commercial and domestic refrigeration, air conditioning equipment and various portable and non-portable electrical appliances.
  • working with specialist teams providing air conditioning and refrigeration assets to deployable elements such as field hospitals and providing advanced technical advice and support to automotive electrical and air conditioning systems.
  • performing safety and technical inspections on low, medium and high capacity generators, refrigeration and air conditioning systems and portable and non-portable electrical appliances.
  • general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment, and navigation.
In-Service Information
This role is known as Energy Technician within the Army.
Employment Category Number (ECN): 418
Employment Category: Combat Support

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

Initial postings are usually to large Combat Service Support Battalions (CSSB) located in Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia.


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

Entry to this trade is open to qualified, partially qualified and non-qualified applicants. You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview to ensure the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete prior to entry. The recognition process can not be commenced after enlistment.

Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics, Science (with a Physics content desirable) and one other subject.

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

Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable 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

Unqualified Entry

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 graduating from recruit training, you'll start learning the skills of your trade or profession under the guidance of world-class Army instructors.

Technical Electrical Course
Duration: Approximately 22 months (self-paced training).
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Bandiana, VIC.

Initial trade training is conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME). The courses and competencies attained by an Electrical Technician are gained through successful completion of the Army Technical and Trades Electrical Course (ATTELEC).

You will gain a thorough knowledge of electrical theory and maintenance techniques applicable to automotive electrical systems, refrigeration and air conditioning and all field generation systems used by the Australian Defence Force.

On the Job Training
Duration: Approximately 12 months (nominal).
Location: A Regional Training Centre.

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

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

Once you’ve finished your Initial Employment Training, you’ll be assigned to an Army unit and your career as a soldier will begin.

Throughout your career, you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills with further specialist training.


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

Initial postings are usually to large Combat Service Support Battalions (CSSB) located in Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia.


Recognition of Prior Learning

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

You need to present evidence of your trade qualification/s and training you have completed at the recruiting interview. This is to ensure that assessment and recognition of your qualifications can be completed prior to entry as a successful recognition outcome is required for enlistment.

Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, statement of attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.

Your trade qualification and evidence is certified by the Army Logistics Training Centre prior to enlistment.

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

For a qualified entrant you must have completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Electrical, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning or Electrical Fitting.

Alternately, if you evidence of the completion of an approved apprenticeship that predominately contains electrical competencies aligned to one of the above qualifications and any period of full-time employment stipulated for that trade.

You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview to ensure the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete prior to entry. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.

Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, statement of attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.

Your trade qualification and evidence is certified by the Army Logistics Training Centre prior to enlistment.

Note: Qualified applicants must provide a CV (including work history) and three references (one from current employer and two from previous employers) when applying.

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

Qualified Entry

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.

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

Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you will attend the Army Technical Trade Energy Technician Course (ATTENGYT) at the Army Logistic Training Centre, Bonegilla, Victoria. This is to complete any trade gap training required by Army identified during the recognition process and to complete military specific trade training.

Depending on the amount of trade gap training delivered, you may have to complete a period of On the Job Training (OJT). If you are required to complete a period of OJT you will be posted to a Regional Training Centre in either Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Townsville on completion of training.