Electronic Technician summary. Archived from here for reference.

General Entry
Technical Trades
Electronic Technician Apprenticeship (Navy)

[Entry Type] [Age Requirement] [Education Requirement] [Citizenship Requirement] [Security Requirement] [Medical Requirement] [Aptitude Requirement] [Military Training] [Employment Training] [Pay Level] [Fix Period Of Service] [Sub Specialist Option] [Civil Accreditation]

Job Description

The Electronics Technician (ET) sailor is responsible for the maintenance of all electronic, electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems associated with guns, missiles, underwater weapons, radars, sonar, computers and communication equipment in ships and shore bases.

An ET is a trained multi-skilled technician who works in a military operational environment. In addition to the personnel management and technical administrative aspects of their employment, ET's are initially required to assist in the maintenance of combat systems and communication equipment to develop core maintenance skills. As they achieve competence through on-the-job experience, ET's are required to undertake maintenance activities under limited supervision. With additional training, experienced ET's may be employed as equipment subject matter experts. As a combat system operator, some ETs are required to man and operate weapons firing consoles.

Their employment requires ET's to be adept at operating, monitoring and maintaining equipment in an environment where changing operational needs often result in a re-assessment of priorities. As experienced maintainers, ET's are required to monitor equipment performance to identify trends, which have the potential to impact on the operational capability of a ship, and initiate corrective action. As part of their maintenance function, senior ET's are responsible for the engineering development of their less experienced peers.

These sailors are trained in the maintenance and repair of the Navy's:

- radar,
- navigation aids (gyro-compasses etc.),
- weapons systems,
- missile systems (computers),
- satellite navigation equipment,
- communications equipment,
- electronic warfare equipment,
- sonar,
- operation and maintenance of gun turrets and missile launchers;
- underwater weapons systems; and
- direction finding
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Entry Type

General Entry (Technical Trades) is the term used to describe the technical jobs available to people entering the Navy as Sailors (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided. Each Sailor job in the Navy is referred to as a category; for example, Aviation Technician Aircraft is a category.

Technical Sailors perform a wide range of maintenance tasks on very sophisticated electronic and mechanical weapons systems.

General Entry (Technical Trades) Sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Seaman and generally progress to Able Seaman after 12 months of productive service following completion of trade training. Further promotion to Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies. There is considerable variation between categories. However, as a guide, the following minimum times are spent in each rank:

Recruit to Seaman (Unqualified) -11 weeks (length of Military Training course)
Seaman (Unqualified) to Seaman - Length of Employment Training course
Seaman to Able Seaman - 12 months after completion
of employment training course
Able Seaman to Leading Seaman - minimum of 2 years
Leading Seaman to Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years
Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years
Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - minimum of 4 years

Leading Seamen are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and are equivalent in rank to Corporals in the Army. Leading Seamen are the first line of supervisors in the chain of command and as such have an important role in the maintenance of good order and discipline among their subordinates. They are expected to provide an important role model for subordinates.

Petty Officers are members of the company of senior sailors and are equivalent to the rank of Sergeant in the Army. Petty Officers perform management and technical specialist duties within their category.

Chief Petty Officers are equivalent to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two in the Army and are required to demonstrate a well developed capacity for self directed work and a high degree of applied professional theoretical knowledge and well developed supervisory competence.

Warrant Officer is the most senior Sailor rank and is equivalent to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One in the Army. Warrant Officers are required to posses superior leadership and professional qualities. They may undertake planning, creative research and problem solving activities. Their positions often involve a significant degree of personal accountability.

Irrespective of category, sailors' duties are just as important as specialist duties. Therefore, whether on a shore establishment or in ship, all sailors will perform such activities as:

  • Fire Fighting - containment and extinguishing of all electrical, chemical and other fires;

  • First Aid - knowledge and application of basic first-aid medical skills;

  • Duty Watch - member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party;

  • Communal Duties - working in teams to help clean and maintain all work and living areas;

  • Damage Control - assisting with ship damage emergency repairs;

  • Replenishment at Sea - assisting with replenishment of ships at sea; and

  • Ship Husbandry - maintenance and upkeep of ships' surfaces, fittings and equipment.

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    Age Requirement

    Applicants must be aged between 17 and 48 years of age inclusive on entry.

    Applicants will not normally be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and nine months of age, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.

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    Educational Requirement

    For General Entry Technical Sailor Categories, the minimum educational standard to be eligible to apply for entry is the completion of study at Year 10 level, which must include study of English, Mathematics and Science.
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    Citizenship Requirement

    Citizenship requirements will be met, for Full-time and Part-time applicants, if any of the following apply:

  • You are an Australian citizen;


  • You are a permanent resident who can provide a DIMA receipt to prove you have applied for Australian citizenship. (A permanent resident is generally eligible to apply for citizenship after two years. A permanent resident married to an Australian can apply immediately); or


  • You are a permanent resident who is not eligible to apply for Australian citizenship but are prepared to sign an undertaking to apply after completing 90 days service in the ADF. (Permanent residents become eligible to apply for citizenship on completion of 90 days service in the ADF). Note that this option is not available to applicants for the Reserve.


    • A permanent resident who enters the ADF will have their service terminated if they subsequently:

  • fail to apply for citizenship when eligible to do so;


  • are not offered citizenship; or


  • fail to accept citizenship when it is offered.


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    Security Requirement

    The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to attain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.

    A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

    Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or have a checkable background for this period. Applications for a waiver of this requirement may be submitted by the ADF Recruiting Unit to the Regional Security Manager at the discretion of the Senior Assessment and Enlistment Officer.
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    Medical and Physical Fitness Requirement

    To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

    For further details on medical and physical standards, click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of this page and refer to ''Medical Standards for Enlistment or Appointment into the ADF'.
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    Aptitude Requirement

    Aptitude testing is undertaken to assess your ability to cope with the training and intellectual demands placed on you whilst serving in the ADF. The standards are sound and realistic in expectation, with psychology support staff explaining what is involved with each test.

    For further details click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of this page and select 'ADF Selection Procedures'.
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    Military Training

    Duration: 11 weeks

    The Initial Training Faculty, at HMAS CERBERUS, is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms. The eleven-week Recruit Course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your Navy career. The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to ensure Recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.

    Recruits who successfully complete the course participate in a Graduation Parade, which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

    After Graduation personnel will be posted to category schools at HMAS CERBERUS or at other training establishments throughout Australia.

    For more information on the daily routine at Recruit Training, the physical training requirements, leave and the Navy Swimming Test, refer to 'Joining Instructions Navy General Entry Military (Recruit) Training' which can be found by clicking the 'Additional Information' button at the top of this page.

    During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors. For more details, please refer to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section (click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of the window).
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    Employment Training

    Following completion of Military (Recruit) Training the following initial training is provided to meet the requirement for an Electronics Technician sailor who is capable of immediate employment in a technical workshop or Navy ship after initial training:

    - Electronics Initial Technical Training (for competency assessment at AQF3)
    - Sea Survival & Ship Safety Category Training
    - Specialisation Course

    This training is conducted at HMAS CERBERUS, Westernport Victoria.

    Electronics Technician Initial Technical Training is for about one year. To provide the ET with the appropriate level of training, they are provided with common and specialist training. Successful completion of the Electronics Technician Apprenticeship will result in the awarding of the 'Certificate III in Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Trade'. This qualification meets the requirement of the appropriate Manufacturing , Engineering and Related Services Industry Training and Advisory Board (ITAB) Training Package and is a nationally recognised qualification.

    The course comprises a mix of technical theory and practical instruction in workshops and laboratories. Training will include the following subjects:

    - Digital Fundamentals;
    - Microprocessor Communications;
    - Control Systems.
    - Occupational Health and safety;
    - Explosives and Radiation Hazard safety;
    - AC/DC Principles;
    - Synchro Systems;
    - Mathematics;
    - Amplifiers; and
    - Programmable Controllers;

    Training in Naval subjects will cover Navy specialist aspects of employment and includes:

    - Organisation;
    - Electronic damage control, safety precautions, stores organisation; and
    - The overall organisation of the ships Weapons Electrical Engineering (WEE) Department.

    Specialisation Courses:

    After completion of Initial Technical Training, ET sailors will be streamed into one of three specialisations for further training and employment as follows:

    - Combat Systems (including Fire Control, Radar and Sonar)
    - Weapons
    - Communications (including NAVAIDS)

    It should be noted that the Combat Systems sailors are further streamed into Fire Control or Sensors (including Radar and Sonar) streams on completion of the first specialist Equipment Application Course.

    Further Training:

    As ET sailors progress upwards in their Naval careers, the progressive training stages may attract the awards of National Qualifications of Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma and an opportunity to proceed into the officer ranks.

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    Pay Level

    Salary while undertaking Military (Recruit) Training: $885.60 per fortnight ($23,089 per year)*.

    Salary while undertaking Employment Training: $1001.09 per fortnight ($26,100 per year)*.

    Salary (excluding allowances) on completion of Employment Training: $33,462 per year ($1,283.46 per fortnight)*.

    Uniform Maintenance Allowance at a rate of $419 per annum ($16.06 per fortnight)* is paid to assist members to maintain an approved scale of uniforms in good order and condition.

    Service Allowance at the rate of $8781 per annum ($336.80 per fortnight)* is paid to all members (except while undertaking Recruit and Employment training) below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent. The allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.

    Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay group. This particular job is classified as a Pay Group 3 occupation.

    Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Pay Group may also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of advanced courses. Refer to the Salary Scales shown under 'Additional Information' (click on button on the toolbar at top of page).

    Note: Trainees with dependants may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance which is paid to enable trainees with dependants to receive a salary not less than $30,165 per annum ($1157 per fortnight) while training. Conditions apply. Speak to the ADF Careers Adviser for details.

    * Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); and superannuation. For more details, please refer to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section (click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of the window), and 'Conditions of Service'.



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    Fixed Period Of Service

    The initial period of enlistment will be six years. Although the circumstances may vary from case to case, an application for discharge at own request prior to the completion of the initial period of enlistment will not normally be approved.

    Subsequent periods of service may be offered, subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
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    Sub Specialist Option

    Electronics Technicians can sub-specialise in the Submarine category. While sub-specialisation is not available at the time of enlistment an ET sailor may apply to transfer to the Submarine Arm one year after completion of Initial Technical Training. Submariners work in close proximity to each other and their superiors, and personal privacy is only achieved when ashore. Submarine personnel work long hours in cramped conditions and are constantly subjected to emotional and physical pressures not found in surface ships.

    Many a new recruit to the Submarine Arm of the Royal Australian Navy believes that he has what it takes to become a good submariner. However, until he has been tested and has experienced the arduous conditions and life inside a submarine, he won't fully appreciate the difficulties.

    Today's Submariners are a different breed of sailor. They have met the challenges, been tested to the limits of their endurance and abilities and found to have what it takes to be members of a very demanding arm of the Royal Australian Navy.

    If you think you have what it takes, then you must be prepared for some very demanding personal challenges throughout your training and employment. If you come through these, you will be willingly accepted into the Submarine Arm of the Royal Australian Navy and welcome to wear 'The Dolphins' (the submariner's badge of distinction).

    Electronics Technician Submariners undergo submarine training in four parts. They are as follows:

    Part 1 - Basic Training at HMAS STIRLING, including submarine escape training, expedition training and first aid.

    Part 2 - Additional Category Training - submarine sub-specialist training conducted at HMAS STIRLING.

    Part 3 - Submariner Task Book - dockside submarine training.

    Part 4 - Submarine Task Book - posting to an operational Submarine to complete the 'at sea' tasks of the task book.

    On completion of this task book, submariners sit a summary and qualification board to be awarded their ' Dolphins'.
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    Civil Accreditation

    On completion of the associated Competency Log all eligible personnel will receive a 'Certificate III in Engineering - Electrical/Electronic Trade' which meets the requirement of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Industry Training and Advisory Board and is a nationally recognised qualification.

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    While every effort is made to ensure that the information on this page is correct, the Department of Defence does not warrant or represent that the information is free from errors or omissions, or that it is exhaustive. The Department of Defence further does not warrant or accept any liability in relation to the quality, operability or accuracy of the information.

    The availability of each job varies, for information on current vacancies telephone 13 1901.

    This page is current: 29/7/2003