If you’re thinking of taking up a trade, putting those skills to use in the Australian Defence Force is a surefire way to take an ordinary qualification and use it in an extraordinary way. Read on to find out what being a fitter & turner, electrician or avionics technician in the Air Force entails.
Fitter & Turner
What’s cool about this job? You’ll be maintaining a wide and varied range of hydraulic, electrical equipment and systems, in a range of environments all over Australia.
Unlike a civilian Fitter & Turner, as an Air Force Fitter & Turner you are not just involved in workshop maintenance activities but also in the maintenance of motor vehicles, materials handling equipment, refueling equipment and installations, diagnosis and rectification of faults in mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems and the testing and servicing of Ground Support Equipment, workshop plant and machinery. You’ll be manufacturing tools, jigs, dies, fixtures, and gauges as well as looking after the on-going maintenance, repair, modification and refurbishment of Aircraft Arrestor Systems and Small Arms Weapons.
How much does it pay? Salary package upon completion of training is $71,013 per year (includes service allowances and an above-average super)
Electrician
What’s cool about this job? You’ll be installing and maintaining electrical power generation and distribution systems, providing specialist electrical support to the Air Force’s operations.
You’ll be looking after power and lighting reticulation systems, and other electrical plant and equipment in industrial and domestic style conditions — both in Australia and overseas. You’ll be trained in general and specialist vehicle operation and will be supporting other trades in the performance of their duties. You could even end up installing mains size power and maintaining power and lighting at remote locations. You’ll also be doing ground defence exercises providing temporary electrical services, and will be able to progress to the rank of Corporal.
How much does it pay? Salary package upon completion of training is $72,103 per year (includes service allowances and an above-average super)
Avionics Technician
What’s cool about this job?Looking for a trade with a difference? Then a career as an Avionics Technician is for you. You’ll maintain a wide range of electronic, oxygen and weapons systems on board Air Force fighter, strike, surveillance and transport aircraft.
You’ll never get bored of the variety in this role — from looking after aircraft flight line and oxygen replenishment, aircraft avionic components and systems at all levels of maintenance as well as disassembly and reassembly of aircraft components, to using aircraft support equipment, making and fixing aircraft electrical looms and antenna cables, servicing aircraft earthing systems and maintaining technical publications — you’ll always be doing something new.
How much does it pay? Salary package upon completion of training is $71,013 per year (includes service allowances and an above-average super)
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