Electrical Fitters maintain and repair the vast array of electrical equipment used by the Army. Effectively the “jack of all trades” amongst the electrical workers, you will be charged with fixing anything, anywhere, in particular looking after power generation and reticulation, as well as refrigeration systems.
During your time as an apprentice, you will be sent to civilian firms on tours of duty to develop your expertise in other areas of the trade. Your training will last approximately four years. You will be aiming to achieve the NZQA National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4, and then full registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
As an Electrical Fitter you will maintain power generation systems and refrigeration systems. You will also complete safety inspections for all operational Army electrical equipment. On camp you will provide electrical safety education and technical guidance to the command chain on setting up and using different pieces of equipment.
You will provide support to units in field exercises including provision of maintenance support to exercising units. You will continue with training towards a National Certificate of Electrical Engineering on and off the job. There are also opportunities for Electrical fitters to work with local civilian firms for experiential benefits.
As well as you trade responsibilities you will also continue with your soldier activities including weapons and first aid training.
On deployment you will provide logistics and maintenance support to units in the field. You will also maintain operational security and assist with humanitarian relief. You will support other units if they require help and liaise with coalition partners.
As your career progresses, you will learn about a wider range of equipment from qualified instructors both at the Army’s Trade Training School and at your place of work. As you become more senior you will work in specialised units such as engineering and medical. You will also have the opportunity to command small repair elements with a team. You will attend professional development courses such as promotional courses, experiential leadership development activities. You could also train to become a recruit instructor.
The minimum remuneration you will be paid from your enlistment is $35,694. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $42,487 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.
You must be at least 17 years of age.
You must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).
You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.
Class 1 Registered Drivers Licence preferred
No decreased colour perception.
You must have completed at least three years at secondary school and have completed have a proven ability in English, Maths and Science (pref Physics) subject at NCEA Level 1 (12 credits per subject) or equivalent.
Once you have completed training you will be required to give a two year return of service to the NZ Army.
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
Organisation and Administration
Army Customs and Protocol
Drill and Parades
Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
First Aid
Physical Fitness
Your initial trade training will be conducted at Trade Training School (TTS) in Trentham camp near Wellington. You will be taught everything you need to know to become a fully skilled Electrical Fitter. Courses at TTS include a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 2), which is an introduction to the basics of your apprenticeship and an introduction to the basis of your apprenticeship.
Maintenance repair documentation, perform basic general engineering skills, maintain small generators, repair single-phase electrical generators and maintain three-phase generators.
Repair and maintenance of three-phase generators and field equipment.
Repair of in-service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
National Certificate in Electrical Engineering - Levels 3 and 4.
You will also receive training on new equipment to ensure you stay up to date with advances in technology.
You will be posted to Trentham Military Camp for one year while you complete your initial trade training. After your first year of training, you will be posted to one of the Army's operational workshops, located at either Linton or Burnham Camps where you will be providing specialist support.