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Physical Training Instructor

The PTI trade is responsible for developing and maintaining the operational fitness and wellbeing of NZDF personnel. PTIs can specialise as Rehabilitation Instructors and also in Adventurous Training disciplines.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Education & Support roles | Healthcare

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Varied

Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) play a key role in developing and maintaining the health, fitness and well-being of our airmen. In the Air Force, physical fitness is absolutely essential in maintaining good health.

As a PTI you are responsible for ensuring that personnel are physically capable to conduct their operational duties their careers. PTI’s also contribute to our airmen’s mental health and resilience, and support well-being and leadership development through team based activities.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 2025

    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.
  • Pass the Physical Training Instructor Selection Board.

Fitness & Medical

As a PTI you must hold an extremely high level of fitness and self motivation. More information on the minimum fitness requirements of the PTI Selection Board can be provided by a Defence Careers staff member.

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

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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 role of the PTI in NZDF

  • Job on base

    In your daily role on base, you will conduct regular group physical training sessions with Air Force personnel, organise and conduct a variety of activities to promote health and fitness. Additionally you will assist our other health practitioners in conducting exercise rehabilitation, remedial training and work across military functional groups to support sport and recreational activities. 

     

    Air Force PTI’s facilitate regular adventurous training activities for base personnel to promote teamwork, resilience and personal development. Air Force PTI’s obtain qualifications in caving, abseiling, rock climbing, sea kayaking as well as taking groups’ mountain biking, coasteering and tramping. 

     

    You will be expected to provide expert advice to individuals, units or teams, and our leaders on all matters concerning physical training. PTIs are also tasked with operating and equipping the gym facilities for each of our three main bases around New Zealand.

     

    Being a PTI can be physically demanding, however your career is largely a lifestyle choice and you are expected to be a strong advocate and personal example for general health and fitness.

  • Job on deployment

    As a PTI you will have the opportunity to deploy on operations with Defence Force units. When deployed as a contingent PTI, your role differs very little to back home. You will maintain operational effectiveness of deployed personnel by running regular strength and conditioning programmes, for both our Defence Force and other allied Forces or agencies.

Career progression and training

01Selection

02Basic training

03Job training

04Ongoing training

05Specialist training

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 Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

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
Air Force Application Process 20240920

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
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