Air Force
Full Time

Electrician

Full Time
In-service title: Electrician
As an Electrician, you’ll provide specialist electrical support to Air Force operations within Australia and overseas. You’ll be trained to maintain runway lighting and install power reticulation for new developments on established air bases. Working across a range of different environments, from humanitarian relief missions to deployments with the Army, you’ll enjoy a trade career like no other.
Apply Now
A male, uniformed electrician is seen wiring up temporary runway approach lighting in the Australian bush.

What you'll do

You’ll be responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems in a range of settings, from air bases and construction sites to temporary airfields in remote locations in Australia or overseas. You can expect to be deployed regularly in support of expeditionary air operations.

Your duties may include:

  • installation of mains size power reticulation
  • maintenance of power generating equipment and airfield lighting installations
  • supporting other trades in their duties
  • planning and conducting electrical trade works
  • maintaining and repairing airfield lighting systems
  • planning and conducting field power generation and electrical reticulation
  • conducting transport operations
  • assisting allied trades
  • providing temporary electrical services on ground defence exercises.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and help you to lead teams of aviators in future. To progress to the rank of Warrant Officer, you’ll be required to undertake further training in construction and project management.

Following training, you could be posted to one of various units and bases within Australia, including RAAF Base Townsville, Qld, RAAF Base Richmond, NSW or RAAF Base Tindal, NT. Electrician Corporals can also be employed at a bare base in an electrician/assistant capability manager role or School of Military Engineering (SME) as an instructor. These positions are located at RAAF Base Curtin, WA and SME-Holsworthy Barracks, NSW.

Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.

Requirements and training

Select an entry method
Salary, requirements and training information will change depending on the entry method selected.
About entry methods
Requirements
Citizenship

You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

Age
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
Licences
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
Security requirements

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

Education and experience

Prior to enlistment, you must hold a recognised Certificate Level III in Electrotechnology Electrician. You’ll also need:

  • a current open unrestricted electrical workers’ licence issued by an approved state or territory licencing authority which allows the holder to conduct and certify electrical works without restriction. (NB: A Contractors Licence permits an individual to conduct a business but may not permit the individual to personally conduct electrical work.)
  • proof of current trade experience
  • current Low Voltage Rescue and CPR qualifications.

Note: You must have passes in Year 10 English and Maths in addition to holding the relevant trade qualifications.

In addition to your trade certificates, you must also provide proof of high school results, units of competency results and a current resume to your Careers Coach.

If you do not satisfy the education requirements for this trade or do not possess evidence of the required educational attainment, there is an alternative pathway available to you.

Health and fitness

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

  • Sit-ups (feet held): 20
  • Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.

Male

  • Sit-ups (feet held): 20
  • Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

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

You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

Training
Military training

Course: Air Force Recruit Training
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW

During this training you will transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role; and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.

The major elements of the course include:

  • personal development and teamwork 
  • parade drill 
  • weapon handling and firing 
  • airfield defence 
  • fire fighting 
  • physical fitness 
  • Air Force history, customs and traditions 
  • military law.

 After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.

Employment training
Electricians are currently recruited with the required skills set to meet the core competencies of Air Force Electricians. After completing Initial Military Training at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW, you'll proceed on posting to 65 Air Base Recovery Squadron located at either RAAF Base Townsville or Richmond. Further Airfield Engineering and Military specific training will be undertaken throughout your career.
Further training
There are a number of specialist Airfield Engineering courses that will provide you with further training across a variety of subjects to provide skill sets in order to meet operational requirements. As an Electrician, you will also be required to undertake core training courses required for your career progression.