Qualified applicants must be aged between 17 and 55 years inclusive on day of entry.

Partially qualified entrants need to provide evidence (certified documentation) that they have either:

• Completed a motor mechanic apprenticeship / traineeship in alignment with the Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair, Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical-Heavy Vehicle Road Transport); or Certificate III training in Automotive (Mechanical Light Vehicle).
• Evidence of qualifications and experience to allow the Technical Trade Sponsor to apply RPL* for statements of attainment held.

Additional trade training to achieve full (Heavy Vehicle) trade competence will be provided at ALTC following a formal RPL* process.

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.

Applicants applying for qualified entry must provide proof of high school results in addition to original trade certificates, units of competency results and a current resume to their Careers Coach. These documents will then be forwarded to the Recruiting Liaison Officer (RLO-1) at Directorate of Personnel - Air Force for review by the Air Force Technical Trade Sponsor to establish eligibility for qualified enlistment.

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.

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 IMPS obligation.

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon enlistment/appointment. Candidates with suspended or cancelled licences will not be eligible to join until the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired. Further attributes

Ideally applicants will:

• Possess well-developed hand-skills and hand-eye coordination
• Demonstrate attention to detail
• Be prepared to sustain periods of heavy lifting
• Be prepared to work under pressure
• Be comfortable working in confined spaces and
• Demonstrate ability to analyse, problem-solve, and trouble-shoot simple to complex systems or the potential to develop this.

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.

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.

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.

Duration: 10.6 weeks

Location: RAAF Base Wagga (NSW)

You'll start your Air Force career at No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU). In three intensive months you'll transition smoothly 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.

You can read about what to expect at the No.1 Recruit Training Unit on the 1RTU website.

After completion of ALTC training, you will be posted to an Air Force Unit as an AC/W GSEFITT1 where you will become involved in the day-to-day operations and duties relevant to the mustering and gain a more complete understanding of the mustering, including instructions on general and technical administration procedures.

You will be provided with a Competency Log Book (Journal) prior to leaving ALTC that details specific tasks that need to be completed over the following 12 months in order to consolidate your training.

After completing 12 months On Job Training/Experience (OJT/E) in the workplace and completing your journal, you will become eligible for promotion to Leading Aircraftsman/Aircraftswoman (LAC/W) Advanced GSEFITT. At this point you should expect to be nominated to attend our Technician level training.

Progression beyond LAC/W GSETECH is based on further training and periods of employment. The member may then, in competition, advance through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

Upon completion of Recruit Training, members are attached to Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC) located at Bonegilla, VIC for about 6 - 8 months during which time you will receive additional training in Heavy Vehicle and specific military vehicle maintenance (the training is self paced). An RPL* process will take place that may involve challenge testing' to determine the exact level of additional training required.

Progression beyond LAC/W GSETECH is based on further training and periods of employment. The member may then, in competition, advance through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

Upon completion of Recruit Training, Trainee entrants are attached to Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC) located at Bonegilla, VIC as an AC/W Trainee for approximately 18 months where you will undergo Heavy Vehicle Motor Mechanic training.

After successfully completing this course and gaining the required competencies, you will be posted to an Air Force Unit as an AC/W GSEFITT1 where you will become involved in the day-to-day operations and duties relevant to the mustering and gain a more complete understanding of the mustering, including instructions on general and technical administration procedures.

Progression beyond LAC/W GSETECH is based on further training and periods of employment. The member may then, in competition, advance through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

* Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process whereby applicants are assessed for the purpose of granting credit for previously gained skills and/or knowledge relevant to the competency/learning outcome. RPL assessments may be performed during the induction process and any credits awarded will be documented as a condition of enlistment. In some instances, an individual beginning Initial Employment Training (IET) may undergo challenge testing' in his/her field at the relevant Defence training facility and be awarded credits for tested competencies with successful outcomes. Any credits granted effectively reduce the time that an individual may spend at the training facility. Applicants are to note that although certain civilian competencies may appear to be suitably transferable, the unique nature of the Defence environment may dictate that additional training is required in that area to satisfy Service needs and exigencies.

Progression to Technician for the Advanced GSEFITT is by the successful completion of the GSETECH suite of course which comprises electrical, refrigeration and electronic subjects relevant to GSE equipment. The courses include two weeks of Restricted Electrical Work training, three weeks of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration training, and a nine week GSE Technician course all conducted at RAAF Base Wagga.

These postgraduate courses can include but are not limited to: Aircraft Arrestor System Maintenance (mechanical and electrical), Fuel Quality Control, Fuel Quality Centre Operator (laboratory testing), Bushmaster driver and maintainer and Fire Vehicle Maintenance and Operator.