Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

As a Maintenance Fitter, you are responsible for maintaining and repairing the diverse range of mechanical and electrical equipment used by the New Zealand Army. From forklifts to NZLAVs to chainsaws, the variety and complexity of equipment you will be called upon to service is staggering. You will also earn a trade certified certificate.

Post Recruit Training

• Trade Training School (TTS), Trentham, Wellington

Initial trade training is conducted at TTS, where you will be introduced to the Royal NZ Army Logistic Regiment. This course provides you with an insight into the Logistic Regiment and the part that you will play in the Army. The course duration is four weeks, with the final week spent in Waiouru applying the skills you have just learnt in a field environment.

• Basic Maintenance Fitters Course (BMC)

This four-month course is designed to give you the basic knowledge and skills. Subjects include hand tools, arc/gas welding and lathe work. You will also complete technical drawing by correspondence.

• Junior Maintenance Fitters Course (JMC)

This three-month course introduces you to the vast array of military equipment, and applies all the knowledge and skills that you have learnt. Once qualified, you will be posted to a workshop in Waiouru, Linton or Burnham and begin your apprenticeship training.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

You will be posted to Trentham Military Camp for 18 months while you complete your initial trade training. After your 18 months of training, you will then be based at one of the Army's workshops, located at Waiouru, Linton or Burnham Camps where you will continue 'on-the-job training' and return to TTS for various trade courses until your apprenticeship is completed.

In New Zealand

Primarily you will work within one of the Army's workshops providing maintenance support,with opportunities to work alongside other units.

Later on

As your career progresses, you will continue to develop your skills, both at the Army's Trade Training School and at your place of work.

Overseas

Maintenance Fitters are employed on a variety of overseas exercises and deployments in support of operational units and activities.

Getting Started

Army Apprenticeship

Maintenance Fitter

• 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, you will also need 12 credits in one of the following: Science, Physics, Chemistry, Graphics and Design, Engineering or Applied Mathematics.
• Driver's Licence: A Class 1 restricted driver's licence is recommended, but is not compulsory.

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 You Join.

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.