Carpenter
As a part-time Carpenter in the Army Reserve, you’ll play a crucial role in constructing, repairing and maintaining structures in unique environments, mixing up your regular job with the challenges of military duties and the chance to help the community.
If you’re looking to experience adventure and excitement outside the everyday, earn tax-free pay and work as part of a close-knit team, this is an exciting opportunity that can work around your lifestyle.
What you'll do
You’ll perform advanced carpentry and general building tasks associated with the construction, repair and maintenance of domestic and light industrial structures. You’ll also provide carpentry and construction support during exercises, and have opportunities to deploy around Australia and overseas.
When you meet with your unit, you’ll refine your carpentry skills and keep up your soldier training. You’ll also play an important role supporting your team on exercises.
Your duties may include:
- interpreting plans, specifications and drawings
- interpreting Australian standards, building codes, regulations and codes of practice
- conducting building construction and maintenance tasks in accordance with quality assurance requirements
- maintaining store tools and equipment
- maintaining high work health and safety and environmental work practices
- assisting in preparation of cost estimations and procurement of construction materials
- liaising with project personnel and providing advice on carpentry and construction requirements
- undertaking professional development including nationally accredited qualifications.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
The Army Reserve has units located all across Australia and offers you the flexibility to serve where you live. There are training locations in cities, small towns and regional areas. Even if there isn’t a unit close to you there may be other ways to serve. You’ll have a Careers Coach who you can ask about your options.
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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. For Reserve service, the maximum age to apply is 60 years, with a Compulsory Retirement Age (CRA) of 65. Candidates who wish to enlist into the Reserves beyond the age of 61 years will need further assessment to ensure they can complete all pre-requisite training in their chosen field prior to reaching CRA.
You’ll need a valid builder’s licence that is not suspended or cancelled. If your licence is suspended, you won’t be eligible to serve until that suspension is lifted or has expired. 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.
You’ll need to be a qualified Carpenter. The minimum standard for entry is a Certificate III in Carpentry and demonstrated current work experience.
You’ll also need to have completed an Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Maths.
If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.
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.
There is no minimum number of years required in the ADF Reserve as service is voluntary. You can volunteer until the Defence Reserve retirement age of 65, subject to the requirements and your suitability for further service.
Reserve service is flexible and can fit around your family, life and work responsibilities. In your first year, you can choose to serve between a minimum of 20 and up to 150 days, which includes Initial Employment and Military Training. After that, you can choose to serve 20 to 150 days each year, with the potential to extend to 200 days. On training completion, you can serve from as little as one night a week, one weekend a month, or in consecutive weeks - in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Course: Army Reserve Recruit Course
Duration: 3 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.
You’ll need to complete this course within 6 months of enlisting.
After you finish your Initial Military Training, you’ll need to complete the following course to be fully qualified. The course is offered throughout the year, and you can enrol around your other commitments.
Course: Part-time Military Engineer Course
Duration: 16 Days
Location: School of Military Engineering, Holsworthy, NSW
This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours to utilise basic military engineering skills under operational conditions.
Learning outcomes:
- explain RAE Corps history, organisation, trades and capabilities
- character development
- prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card)
- work safely at heights
- chainsaw operator
- miscellaneous tools
- chemical biological radiological and nuclear defence.
You may receive further training towards National Qualifications in Building and Construction, Civil Construction, Procurement and Project Management.