Electrical Fitter

Linton Sapper Rutledge does a maintenance check of a switchboard (WN-05-0007-25).

Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

Electrical Fitters maintain and repair the vast array of electrical equipment used by the Army.

Post Training Recruit Training

Trade Training School (TTS),

Trentham Your initial trade training will be conducted at TTS. You will be taught everything you need to know to become a fully skilled Electrical Fitter. Courses at TTS include:

  • National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 2)

An introduction to the basis of your apprenticeship.

  • Basic Electrical Fitter

Maintenance repair documentation, perform basic general engineering skills, maintain small generators,repair single-phase electrical generators and maintain three-phase generators.

  • Intermediate Electrical Fitter

Repair and maintenance of three-phase generators and field equipment.

  • Senior Electrical Fitter Refrigeration

Repair of in-service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Wel Tech National Certificate in Electrical Engineering - Levels 2 and 4.

Other Information

During your time as an apprentice, you will be sent to civilian firms on tours of duty to develop your expertise in other areas of the trade. Your training will last approximately four years. You will be aiming to achieve the NZQA National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4, and then full registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

You will be posted to Trentham Military Camp for one year while you complete your initial trade training. After your first year of training, you will be posted to one of the Army's operational workshops, located at either Linton or Burnham Camps.

In New Zealand

Primarily you will work at either Linton or Burnham Camps providing specialist support. As your career progresses, you will learn about a wider range of equipment from qualified instructors both at the Army's Trade Training School and at your place of work.

Overseas

Registered Electrical Fitters deploy on a variety of overseas exercises and deployments in support of operational units and activities.

Getting Started

Army Apprenticeship

Electrical Fitter

  • Minimum age 17Year 11 completion
  • School Qualifications:You need a proven ability in English, Maths and Physics or General Science at NCEA level 1 (12 credits per subject)or equivalent.
  • Driver's Licence: A Class 1 restricted driver's licence is recommended, but is not compulsory.
  • Additional Information: 100% visual colour perception required. Any engineering skills or practical experience with electrical appliances will make you a more competitive applicant.

All Arms Recruit Course (AARC):

For the first 16 weeks you will attend recruit training in Waiouru where you will adapt from civilian to Army life and learn to be a soldier. Once this is completed, you will be ready to start learning your trade.

Things To Know About The Army Before You Join.

Have you got what it takes?

  1. Be medically and physically fit.
    Before you undertake AARC (All Arms Recruit Course) it is essential that you are reasonably fit and free of injuries and medical problems. To give yourself a head start, you should aim to achieve the Army's minimum standard of fitness before you start AARC Training.
  2. Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
    To be enlisted into the New Zealand Army, applicants must either be New Zealand Citizens or hold a Permanent Residence Visa. Upon enlistment, non-citizens must sign an undertaking that they will apply for New Zealand Citizenship when eligible.
  3. Be free from criminal convictions.
    The Army has a high dependence on trust and use of technical equipment and weapons, and looks for recruits who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence.
  4. Be 17 or older to join.
    Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to enlist into the New Zealand Army. You can however start your application prior to turning 17 years old.
  5. Satisfy the Army's standards of dress and presentation.
    There are a few rules in regards to dress standards in the Army. For instance, there are provisions as to what jewellery you can and cannot wear and also how long/short your hair should be.
  6. The Armed Forces expects a high standard of personal conduct and self-discipline.
    It may take a bit of getting used to at first, but once you settle into the routine of Army life, your confidence and self discipline will enable you to handle any situation.
  7. A career in the Army is more than a job - it's a lifestyle.
    One of the key things about life in the Army is that your job will vary and you'll be doing many different things. While you are in an Army Camp, your job is pretty much like any other 9 to 5 job, but you'll also spend time training overseas or elsewhere in New Zealand.
  8. The Army offers a competitive income.
    As you complete training courses and your time in the Army increases, your salary increases with it. The cost of living in an Army Camp is low, giving you more disposable income to spend as you wish. And with access to recreational facilities and benefits provided by the Army, your final overall salary package is very competitive. The Army also provides, amongst other things, free medical and dental services, a Government subsidised superannuation fund and accommodation subsidies.
  9. Testing areas for specific trades.
    The Army's selection process includes a series of basic aptitude tests on subjects ranging from spelling and mathematics to test areas specific to your chosen trade. For details on the process, including practice tests, visit our Test Preparation section.

These are the basic elements involved in joining the Army. For a more detailed outline, check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section or the Joining Requirements section.

  • You must do medical, fitness and aptitude tests to check that you are fit, healthy and suited to a career in the Army
  • See your local recruiter or visit our website to obtain a copy of our fitness planner
  • You will also be interviewed and have to attend Assessment Days, which include career counselling, physical activities and preparation training
  • If you make the grade and are accepted into the Army, you will either go on to do 16 weeks basic training for full-time service, or attend a shorter course (three weeks) for Territorial Force service (part-time). This will prepare you for military life
  • Once you have completed the basic training, you will go to a unit and join your Corps.
     

This page was last reviewed onĀ 22 April 2010 and is current.

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