Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Engineering & Technical trades
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Trentham
Electrical fitters are tasked with fixing anything, anywhere, in particular looking after power generation and reticulation as well as refrigeration systems. Safety is top priority, with fitters completing safety inspections for all operational Army equipment.
Training for an apprentice Electrical Fitter in the Army will last approximately four years, working towards an NZQA New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) Level 4, and then onto full registration with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Eventually, you’ll work towards a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering.
As an apprentice, you will be sent to civilian firms on tours of duty to develop your expertise in a variety of electrical fields. In addition, there will be various leadership courses, as well as being involved in field exercises or other soldier skills and activities that contribute to the welfare of New Zealand.
Accepting Applications
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Recruit Regular Force 416, starts 31 Mar 2025 Apply by 04 Nov 2024
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
- 3 years secondary school.
Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
Once you have completed training you will be required to give a two year return of service to the NZ Army.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
“The Electrical Fitter is almost a jack of all trades, doing electrical and refrigeration, and basic engineering skills.”
Scott Welsh
Private
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Job on base
You’ll be responsible for maintaining power generation systems and refrigeration systems, as well as completing 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. Electrical Fitters also provide support to units in field exercises by providing maintenance support. Variety is provided in your day-to-day camp routine by the inclusion of sport, PT, parades, and other soldier skills and training activities, such as weapons handling or first aid.
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Job on deployment
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. For example, during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, an electrical fitter, engineer and medic were part of a team of three who visited local residents, checking on welfare daily and the structural integrity of buildings. Electrical Fitters also have the opportunity to be deployed overseas, where you’ll support other units if they require help and liaise with coalition partners.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
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
02Job Training
Job Training
RNZALR BASIC
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 New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Year 1 & 2), which is an introduction to the basics of your apprenticeship.
BASIC ELECTRICAL FITTER
Maintenance repair documentation, perform basic general engineering skills, maintain small motors, repair single-phase electrical generators and maintain three-phase generators.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICAL FITTER
Repair and maintenance of three-phase generators and field equipment.
SENIOR ELECTRICAL FITTER REFRIGERATION
Repair and maintenance of in-service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
UCOL
New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering – Year 3.
You will also receive training on new equipment to ensure you stay up to date with advances in technology.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
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. Electrical Fitters have the opportunity to complete four months’ work experience in a variety of electrical fields, enrol at Universal College of Learning (UCOL), and undergo trade-training within and outside the workplace. 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, and experiential leadership development activities. You could also train to become a recruit instructor.
Meet Burnham's Electrical Fitter team leader
CPL Braeden Botica says anyone wanting to join as an Electrical Fitter in the Army should expect variety day-to-day, a well-paid trade, and the opportunity to grow as a person.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Free and subsidised insurance cover
- Help to buy a home and save for retirement
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Army career?
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