Contact us via Indeed for a referral to initiate the application process.
Australian Army Paid Trade Apprenticeships Audience: Those seeking a practical trade career
Employment Type: Full-time Army service with paid technical training
Location: Australia-wide, with specialist training conducted through Army technical training establishments
Earn. Learn. Qualify. Serve.
If you want a hands-on career where you can earn while you train, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and work with advanced equipment, an Australian Army trade apprenticeship offers a strong start.
As an Army apprentice, you will complete structured military and trade training, develop practical technical skills, and graduate into a specialist trade role with qualifications that are recognised beyond Defence.
General Training Pathway
Most Army technical apprentices follow a structured pathway:
Army foundation training
Build the discipline, fitness, teamwork, and military skills required for Army service.
Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Common Training
Learn the shared skills required across Army technical trades, including induction, maintenance workplace expectations, safety, communications, and other common soldier-technician skills.
Initial Trade Training Complete formal trade training in a residential training environment, combining classroom learning, simulated workshops, practical trade tasks, and assessments.
On-the-Job Training or Experience Apply your skills in Army workplaces under supervision, completing practical tasks that support the award of trade qualifications and confirm job readiness.
Available Trade Pathways
1. Electronics Technician
As an Electronics Technician, you will learn to diagnose, repair, and maintain electronic and communication systems used across Army equipment. Training includes technical fault-finding, electronics repair, communications systems, and specialist Army equipment maintenance.
Training pathway
Initial trade training: approximately 18 months
On-the-job training: average 10 months, up to 14 months
Certificate attained
UEE30920 – Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
2. Vehicle Technician
As a Vehicle Technician, you will learn to service, diagnose, and repair Army vehicles, including heavy commercial vehicle systems, diesel engines, brakes, steering, suspension, hydraulics, electrical systems, and air conditioning.
Training pathway Initial trade training: approximately 18 months
On-the-job training: average 10 months, up to 14 months
Certificates and licences attained
AUR31120 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
AUR20220 – Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology
3. Weapon Technician
As a Weapon Technician, you will develop mechanical trade skills used to inspect, maintain, repair, and support Army weapon systems and related mechanical equipment. Training includes precision fitting, machining, technical inspection, welding, and mechanical maintenance.
Training pathway
Initial trade training: approximately 18 months
On-the-job training: average 10 months, up to 14 months
Certificate attained MEM30219 – Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
4. Material Technician
As a Material Technician, you will learn fabrication, welding, machining, repair, inspection, and materials maintenance skills. This trade suits people who enjoy hands-on workshop work, metal fabrication, and practical repair tasks.
Training pathway
Initial trade training: approximately 13 months
On-the-job training: average 10 months, up to 14 months
Certificates and licences attained
MEM31925 – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
5. Energy Technician As an Energy Technician, you will train in electrical fitting, air conditioning, refrigeration, power generation, and power distribution systems. This pathway is suited to people interested in electrical systems, generators, refrigeration, diagnostics, and field power support.
Training pathway
Initial trade training: approximately 18 months
On-the-job training: average 10 months, up to 14 months
Additional specialist training in low, medium, and high-capacity power generation and distribution systems
Certificates and licences attained
UEE33020 – Certificate III in Electrical Fitting
UEE32225 – Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
6. Recovery Technician
As a Recovery Technician, you will learn to operate recovery vehicles and equipment used to recover, tow, lift, winch, and extract damaged or immobilised vehicles. This pathway is highly practical and field-focused, involving heavy vehicles, cranes, towing systems, lifting equipment, and recovery planning.
Training pathway
Initial Recovery Technician course: approximately 6 months
On-the-job experience: approximately 12 months following the course
Certificate and statements attained
TLI40122 – Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations
Why Choose an Army Trade Apprenticeship?
Get paid while you train in a structured full-time career pathway.
Gain nationally recognised qualifications linked to real trades.
Learn in a supported environment with instructors, supervisors, and workplace mentors.
Build technical, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Work on equipment and systems not commonly found in standard civilian apprenticeships.
Graduate into a defined Army trade role with further career progression opportunities.
Who This Suits
This pathway may suit you if you are:
Those looking for a practical career Interested in tools, vehicles, electronics, fabrication, electrical systems, or heavy machinery
Motivated to complete both military and trade training
Comfortable working in teams and practical environments Willing to meet Army entry, medical, fitness, and security requirements
Start Your Trade Career with the Army
An Army apprenticeship is more than a training course. It is a paid career pathway that gives you trade skills, Army experience, nationally recognised qualifications, and the opportunity to work in a technical role that matters. Choose your trade. Complete your training. Build a career with purpose.
Contact us via Indeed for a referral to initiate the application process.
Pay: $60,517.00 – $76,079.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Gym membership
- Health insurance
- Housing allowance
- Life insurance
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Travel reimbursement
Work Location: In person
