Metalsmith
As a part-time Metalsmith, you’ll make a difference by putting your trade qualifications to work in support of the community. Play a crucial role in fabricating, repairing and maintaining the equipment the Army uses to defend Australia. Plus, you’ll also make mates for life and taste adventure working on Army training exercises.
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 operate manual metal arc welding machines (MMAW), metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), oxygen-acetylene welding and cutting equipment. You’ll also operate and maintain assorted tools and equipment.
When you meet with your unit, you’ll refine your metalsmithing skills, plan upcoming exercises and keep up your soldier training. You’ll also play an important role supporting your team on exercises.
Your duties may include:
- fabricating, repairing, modifying and reclaiming equipment and components
- joining, deforming and treating metals and composite materials (fibre-reinforced plastics and graphite-reinforced plastics)
- performing specialist welding tasks including aluminium welding (7000 series), repairs and modifications to ferrous armour, structural steel, homogenous armour, and quench and tempered steels
- conducting safety and technical inspections on specialist equipment and structural components
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, navigation, and camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment.
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.
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 welder with a Trade Certificate (or equivalent) in a welding/fabrication occupation issued by a State Training Authority aligned to a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade. Alternatively, you’ll have evidence of the completion of an approved apprenticeship or traineeship that predominately contains welding/fabrication competencies aligned to a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade in one of the following trade qualifications:
- Welder 1st Class
- Boilermaker Marker Off
- Boilermaker Welder
- Sheet Metal Worker
You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview to ensure the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete prior to entry. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Note: You’ll need to provide a CV (including work history) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
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.
Course: Army Reserve RAEME Induction Course
Duration: 13 days
Location: At a Reserve unit near you
This induction covers the Army’s organisation, processes, values and more.
Course: Part 1 of the Material Technician Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME), Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Vic