The Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE)

The Role

As an Electrician your main focus is to provide electrical support to the Army. You will find yourself working on a variety of tasks, from appliance repairs to wiring multi-storey buildings, in an even greater variety of locations.

Post Recruit Training

• Basic Combat Engineer Course

An eight-week course conducted at the School of Military Engineering (SME), Linton Military Camp. It introduces soldiers to the combat side of being an engineer before undertaking their specific trade.The course covers the basics of field engineering including bridging, water supply,explosives, field defences, obstacles, booby traps, boating and other subjects. After the course you will have a good understanding of field engineering and also be qualified as an Army (explosives) Demolition Handler. You will then commence apprenticeship training at SME.

• Level Two National Certificate in Electrical Engineering(NCEE)

An eight-week course conducted at WelTech in Wellington. It introduces you to the fundamentals of the electrical trade. You will stay at Trentham Military Camp, Wellington, while you attend the course. Practical training and assessment will be carried out at your home unit, with all theoretical trade training assessed at WelTech throughout your apprenticeship until you qualify on the Level Four NCEE. Once you have completed and passed all these requirements, you will be eligible for electrical registration.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

Initially you'll be posted to the School of Military Engineering, Linton Military Camp. You will spend two years there learning basic engineering and electrical skills. You will then be posted to 25 Engineer Support Squadron, also at Linton, until you finish your trade training.

In New Zealand

Most RNZE electricians are based at Linton Camp but there are also opportunities to work in Waiouru and Burnham.

Later on

Once you are registered as an electrician, you are required to spend two extra years in the services as part of your return of service obligation. (This is an agreement you make with the Army. In return for four years training and a civilian recognised trade, you make a commitment to work for us for two extra years).

Overseas

RNZE personnel can be found in small contingents around the globe. Places they have previously been deployed include Antarctica, Mozambique, USA, Australia, East Timor, South Pacific Islands, Bosnia and Iraq.

Getting Started

Army Apprenticeship

Electrician

• Minimum age 17
• Year 11 completion
• School Qualifications: A proven ability in English and Maths at NCEA Level 1 (12 credits per subject) or equivalent.
• Driver's Licence: A Class 1 restricted driver's licence is recommended, but is not compulsory.
• Additional Information: 100% visual colour perception required.

All Arms Recruit Course (AARC):

For the first 12 weeks you will attend recruit training in Waiouru where you will adapt from civilian to Army life and learn to be a soldier. Once this is completed, you will be ready to start learning your trade.

Things To Know About The Army Before Joining

Have you got what it takes?

1. Be medically and physically fit.
   Before you undertake AARC (All Arms Recruit Course) it is essential that you are reasonably fit and free of injuries and medical problems. To give yourself a head start, you should aim to achieve the Army's minimum standard of fitness before you start AARC Training.
2. Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
   To be enlisted into the New Zealand Army, applicants must either be New Zealand Citizens or hold a Permanent Residence Visa. Upon enlistment, non-citizens must sign an undertaking that they will apply for New Zealand Citizenship when eligible.
3. Be free from criminal convictions.
   The Army has a high dependence on trust and use of technical equipment and weapons, and looks for recruits who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence.
4. Be 17 or older to join.
   Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to enlist into the New Zealand Army. You can however start your application prior to turning 17 years old.
5. Satisfy the Army's standards of dress and presentation.
   There are a few rules in regards to dress standards in the Army. For instance, there are provisions as to what jewellery you can and cannot wear and also how long/short your hair should be.
6. The Armed Forces expects a high standard of personal conduct and self-discipline.
   It may take a bit of getting used to at first, but once you settle into the routine of Army life, your confidence and self discipline will enable you to handle any situation.
7. A career in the Army is more than a job - it's a lifestyle.
   One of the key things about life in the Army is that your job will vary and you'll be doing many different things. While you are in an Army Camp, your job is pretty much like any other 9 to 5 job, but you'll also spend time training overseas or elsewhere in New Zealand.
8. The Army offers a competitive income.
   As you complete training courses and your time in the Army increases, your salary increases with it. The cost of living in an Army Camp is low, giving you more disposable income to spend as you wish. And with access to recreational facilities and benefits provided by the Army, your final overall salary package is very competitive. The Army also provides, amongst other things, free medical and dental services, a Government subsidised superannuation fund and accommodation subsidies.
9. Testing areas for specific trades.
   The Army's selection process includes a series of basic aptitude tests on subjects ranging from spelling and mathematics to test areas specific to your chosen trade. For details on the process, including practice tests, visit our Test Preparation section.

These are the basic elements involved in joining the Army. For a more detailed outline, check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section or the Joining Requirements section.

• You must do medical, fitness and aptitude tests to check that you are fit, healthy and suited to a career in the Army
• See your local recruiter or visit our website to obtain a copy of our fitness planner
• You will also be interviewed and have to attend Assessment Days, which include career counselling, physical activities and preparation training
• If you make the grade and are accepted into the Army, you will either go on to do 12 weeks basic training for full-time service, or attend a shorter course (three weeks) for Territorial Force service (part-time). This will prepare you for military life
• Once you have completed the basic training, you will go to a unit and join your Corps.