Electrical Fitter
As an Electrical Fitter, you’ll maintain the ship’s electrical power, generation and distribution systems including alternators, batteries, charging systems, electrical switchboards, lighting systems and corrosion protection systems. Whether you already have a trade, are currently pursuing an apprenticeship or have no experience at all, you'll be paid from day one. You'll gain all the skills needed and work towards a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting, with opportunities to obtain further qualifications. You may also be able to use your existing qualifications and be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
What you'll do
Working onboard Navy vessels and ashore, you’ll join a team of dedicated tradespeople responsible for keeping Navy vessels in peak working order. You’ll operate, maintain, diagnose and repair electrical systems across ships and equipment ashore. Day to day, you’ll be working on hydraulic, refrigeration and lighting systems and high voltage power generation. You’ll also be responsible for operating state-of-the-art engineering systems and conducting maintenance to ensure the electrical systems aboard your ship remain serviceable.
As a sailor, you'll also perform additional duties and gain skills that will enable you to support the whole ship.
Your duties may include:
- operating state of the art engineering systems
- maintaining the ship’s electrical power, generation and distribution systems
- maintaining the ship’s auxiliary systems
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy 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 will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
As an Electrical Fitter you will have the opportunity to progress your specialist trade skills with training to Certificate IV and Diploma Levels.
Following training, you could be based at one of the many Navy facilities located around the country. Depending on your job, you’ll work at sea with periods spent ashore at your vessel’s home base.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
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.
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 57 years.
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.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process will occur in 2 stages:
- The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) or Direct Entry Tradesperson (DET) status can be awarded.
- The second stage of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements.
RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training (OJT) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.
RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T / DET status.
Sailors achieving QES-T /DET status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T / DET has been granted. The trades recognised by Navy as potentially being eligible for RPL are:
RAN Electrical Maintainer
- Engineering/Mechanical/Electrical/Fabrication/Automotive Trade AQF Certificate III, or higher listed within the Australian National Training Register.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 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.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus,Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Marine Technician Initial Training
Duration: 5 Days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
IT covers the TA-ENG Cerberus inductions and study skills required.
Marine Technician – Electrical Employment Training:
Course: Marine Technician Electrical Initial Employment Technical Training
Duration: 38 weeks 4 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The UEE33020 package is offered as an Intensive Delivery Method through HMAS Cerberus, with the Task Evidence Journal being completed as part of the apprenticeship after joining the Fleet.
This qualification provides competencies to manufacture, fit, assemble, erect, operate, test, fault find, alter and repair electrical equipment and includes electrical wiring work only if that work is associated with assembling, maintaining, terminating or altering the wiring between electrical components within a plant or machinery.
On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you’ll be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Navy Specific Marine Technician Training
Duration: 3 Weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This training covers the Navy specific electrical requirements.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 15 weeks 2 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Upon completion of your training and trade journal, you’ll be awarded a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting.
You’ll have opportunities to continue training towards the following qualifications and later, a Diploma in Engineering:
- Certificate IV in Electrical Distribution and Fluid Power
- Certificate IV in Condition Monitoring and Instrumentation
- Certificate IV in AC and Refrigeration.
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.
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 57 years.
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.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process will occur in 2 stages:
- The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) or Direct Entry Tradesperson (DET) status can be awarded.
- The second stage of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements.
RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training (OJT) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.
RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T / DET status.
Sailors achieving QES-T /DET status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T / DET has been granted. List of Trades recognised by Navy as potentially being eligible for RPL is as follows:
RAN Electrical Maintainer
- Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical)
- Certificate III in Electrical-Mechanical-Fitter/ Mechanic
- Electrical Engineering-Power-Diploma (AQF)
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
- Certificate IV in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
- Electrical Fitter Mechanic (Electrical Trades) (1093)
- Certificate III in Engineering-Electrical/Electronic Trade- (MEM30498)
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 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.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus,Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Marine Technician Initial Technical Training
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the subsequent trade and marine system technician components of Initial Employment Training.
Marine Technician – Electrical Employment Training
Course: Stage 1 – Marine Technician Electrical Initial Employment Technical TrainingDuration: 14 weeks, 2 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Duration: 15 weeks, 3 days
Location: Dandenong TAFE, Vic
Course: Stage 3 – MT Electrical Initial Employment Training (Cerberus UEE33020). Training (TAFE UEE 33020)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The UEE33020 package is offered as an Intensive Delivery Method through HMAS Cerberus, with the Task Evidence Journal being completed as part of the apprenticeship after joining the Fleet. On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you’ll be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Navy Specific Marine Technician – Electrical Training
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Upon completion of your training and trade journal, you’ll be awarded a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting.
You’ll have opportunities to continue training towards the following qualifications and later, a Diploma in Engineering:
- Certificate IV in Electrical Distribution and Fluid Power
- Certificate IV in Condition Monitoring and Instrumentation
- Certificate IV in AC and Refrigeration.