Aeronautical Metal Worker

As an Aeronautical Metal Worker you’ll be part of the ground crew responsible for all aspects of maintenance required to support RNZAF aircraft operations, both in New Zealand and overseas. The aeronautical metal worker trade covers two separate specialisations: aeronautical metal work and general engineering. Metal Workers also play a camp maintenance role when Air Force units are deployed on missions or exercises.

After gaining considerable experience, you’ll be given greater responsibilities in managing metal-working tasks and associated equipment. Once you have completed your trade training, you will qualify as Master Aeronautical Metal Worker. You’ll then be eligible to perform military command and leadership duties as a team leader and may also be appointed as an instructor.

This is an active and demanding job that gives you the opportunity to go anywhere in New Zealand - or even around the world. Expect opportunities to broaden your range of skills as your career develops. These could include taking on more challenging roles in management or training positions.

Aeronautical Engineering Course

 

As a first step you will need to complete the full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Course with NMIT.  This is undertaken privately and is a prerequisite to joining the RNZAF. Areas covered on the Aeronautical Course include:

• Aircraft construction materials
• Aeronautical drawing interpretation
• Sketching and mathematics
• Aeronautical workplace safety
• Quality management principles
• Aeronautical spare parts
• Hand and machine tool use
• Maintenance documentation and publication use
• Component removal and installation
• Aircraft systems and principles of flight

Your NMIT Course fees will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course.

 

Recruit Course

 

Upon successful completion of the Aeronautical Engineering course you will then join the Air Force. You’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:

• Organisation and Administration
• RNZAF Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
•  First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
• Physical Fitness

 

Primary Trade Training

 

Next you'll undertake a 30-week full-time Aeronautical Metal Worker Course to gain the basic skills to become an Air Force Metal Worker.

 

On-the-Job training

 

After graduating from your primary trade course you
will be employed for approximately 18 months on an RNZAF base, carrying out  duties and gaining experience. This training is designed to consolidate and extend your trade training, providing access to the aircraft types  and the equipment on which you will be employed. The On-the-Job training (OJT) completes your  primary trade training.

 

Advanced Trade Training

 

The Master Aeronautical Metal Worker Course is a full-time 22-week residential course at Woodbourne. Once you graduate, you will be posted to an engineering workshop at either RNZAF Base Auckland or RNZAF Base Ohakea.

You must be 17 years or older and have a minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English, Mathematics and Science or Design Technology. Level 2 Maths, English, Physics preferred.