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Army

Electrical Fitter

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.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Engineering & Technical trades

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • 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.

Applications

This role may not be recruited for 6-12 months but we'd encourage you to apply early. You can check in-demand trades for our next intakes

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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

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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.

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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.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

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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
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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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Ready to start your Army career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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