Human Resources Administrator - ADF Gap Year
As a Human Resources Administrator, you’ll gain skills for life in this unique Gap Year role where you’ll spend 12-months experiencing life as an admin, communication and resource coordination specialist. You’ll play a meaningful role in the smooth operation of the Army and the wellbeing of members.
What you'll do
Working as a Human Resources Administrator in the Army, you’ll build skills in a range of new and exciting environments. It’s not your average administration role – you’ll get to work in barracks, out in the field on exercises or on domestic operations.
Throughout your Gap Year program, you’ll be supported by professional and dedicated Army members, who will guide you to get the most out of your experience.
Your duties may include:
- administration advice
- resource and financial management
- clerical support
- payroll services
- data review.
After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Army or change to a part-time role in the Army Reserve.
There is no obligation to serve in the ADF beyond the 12-month Gap Year program period. You can take your new skills and experiences to gain an edge in future careers outside the ADF.
Once you’ve completed your military and employment training, you’ll be posted to one of the many Army bases across Australia. You could be posted to any unit and may be called upon to use your skills in barracks, on exercises or in support of domestic operations. While your surroundings may change, your job role remains consistent and is essential to the effective operation of the Army.
Primary locations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, and Townsville.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Now that I am here, I think I wouldn’t have picked anything else.
Requirements and training
You need to be an Australian citizen to be eligible for the ADF Gap Year program.
You must be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your enlistment or appointment. For Army, you must be 18 years of age by the completion of your Initial Employment Training.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Your Careers Coach can discuss options with you.
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
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- 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.
Your Gap Year experience will commence at the start of the year and will conclude 12 months later. Subsequent periods of service in the Regular or Reserve ADF may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time by providing 21 days’ notice.
If you are currently or have previously served in the ADF or foreign service, you’re not eligible for Gap Year. You must be an Australian Citizen to be eligible for the Gap Year Program.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Course: The Clerks Course
Duration: Approximately 2 months
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
This course will provide you with the required service-specific knowledge, skills and attributes to provide pay and personnel administration advice and to work effectively and professionally in undertaking the roles and responsibilities of a HR Administrator.
This course is delivered through a combination of online training and in-person by qualified RAAFSALT facilitators (Air Force and Army personnel).
Topics covered on the Common Training Course alongside Air Force trainees are:
- communication skills
- use of business technology
- information management
- Defence writing
- personnel administration
- travel administration
- cash office / Imprest accounts.
In addition to the above, Army students also cover the following on the Single Service Specific Module:
- Army and Corps history
- Army records management
- delivery of payroll services
- Command support services on operations
- operate HF and VHF radios.