How to become an Air Force Trades

Air Force technicians and tradespersons undertake a variety of technical and trades-related jobs in the Air Force, including assisting with the construction and maintenance of Air Force equipment and buildings.

Personal requirements for an Air Force Trades

At least 17 years of age
Able to pass applicable medical, physical fitness and aptitude tests
Willing to accept responsibility
Enjoy leading and motivating others
Willing to serve anywhere in Australia or overseas
Australian citizenship

Education & Training for an Air Force Trades

To work in a trade within the Air Force, you will need to complete Year 10 with passes in English, mathematics and science. Some specialisations require you to have an existing trade or technical qualification.To join the Air Force you will also need to successfully complete a series of aptitude tests, medical assessments and selection interviews. All new recruits are required to undertake basic Air Force training at RAAF Base Wagga, in Wagga Wagga, NSW, prior to commencing employment training in their chosen job role. Trade qualifications obtained in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) are nationally recognised.Becoming an aircraft life support fitter, aircraft structural technician or a ground support equipment technician involves additional Air Force training. The duration of this training varies for each specialisation and may require interstate travel.

Duties & Tasks of an Air Force Trades

Air Force technicians and tradespeople may specialise as:

Aircraft Safety Equipment Maintainer – manufacture, inspect, repair and test all aeronautical safety and life support equipment.
Aircraft Technician – inspect, install, repair and maintain structural components of all military aircraft and air frame systems.
Carpenter - design, construct, maintain and repair all non-aircraft buildings and equipment, from site planning and excavation to tiling and glazing.
Electrician - install, maintain and repair power and lighting systems for both industrial and domestic conditions, and manage the operation of electrical plant and equipment.
Fitter and Turner (Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter) – maintain and repair machinery, equipment and systems through diagnosing faults and manufacturing or modifying tools and fixtures.
Motor Mechanic (Ground Support Equipment Technician) - maintain motor transport vehicles, ground support equipment, various aircraft systems, refuelling equipment and installations.
Plumber - install, maintain and repair Air Force water systems, including sanitary and sewerage systems, roofing, guttering, hot water systems and gas appliances.

Tasks

Serving as an infantry soldier
Erecting bridges, building field defences, constructing temporary roads, clearing minefields, repairing airfields and demolishing targets using explosives
Guarding airfields and other defence force bases
Maintaining personal arms and ammunition
Operating artillery, ground and surface-based defence systems, shipboard weapons and other advanced specialist military weapons and equipment
Crewing armoured fighting vehicles
Conducting surveillance, reconnaissance and boarding operations
Providing firepower and ground-based air defence
Establishing and maintaining command, control and communications equipment and facilities

Employment Opportunities for an Air Force Trades

Recruitment into the Australian Defence Force is conducted on an Australia-wide basis all year round.

Specializations

Air Force Trades

Average age
27
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
18% female
Average full-time
47 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
92%
Employment Size
17,000
Employment by state
ACT: 4.7%
NSW: 27.7%
NT: 8.6%
QLD: 35.9%
SA: 6.5%
TAS: 0.3%
VIC: 9.8%
WA: 6.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 8.2%
20-24: 28.5%
25-34: 37.9%
35-44: 14.6%
45-54: 8.5%
55-59: 1.7%
60-64: 0.3%
65 and Over: 0.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 10.8%
Bachelor degree: 5.6%
Certificate III/IV: 26.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.2%
Year 10 and below: 7.8%
Year 11: 6.5%
Year 12: 40.6%