Army Reserve

Careers

Metalsmith

The Job

As a Metalsmith you will be part of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers or RAEME. A Metalsmith is initially employed according to their base trade, either as a welder or boilermaker. Once you have completed a Metalsmith conversion course, you will be involved in a wide range of tasks and skills including welding, working with sheet metal, using hand tools and machines, and operating joining and cutting equipment.

As well as working in your trade area, you will also get the opportunity to learn to shoot the F88 Austeyr and participate in unit activitites such as adventurous training and sport.

The Training

The first step to becoming a Metalsmith in the Army Reserve is to have your existing trade qualifications assessed against Army's requirements. If any gaps are identified you will be told what attitional training you will need. This gap training is usually conducted in the first 18 months following enlistment. Once you are enlisted you will undergo Common Recruit Training (CRT) at Kapooka in NSW, which will qualify you in basic soldier skills. After completion of CRT you will be granted your basic trade qualification, inline with your current competancies, which will enable you to work under supervision in your local unit. However you must still complete any gap training identified earlier, plus a period of on-the-job training before you can be deemed fully qualified. This training is conducted at Bandiana in Victoria, usually in 2-week blocks but this may vary depending on the complexity of the subject matter.

The Skills

RAEME soldiers are known as 'Craftsman' and are responsible for maintaining the Army's vast array of electrical, mechanical and electronic equipment.

As a "Crafty" you will gain and develop a wide range of personal skills and experience that will be invaluable to any career that you choose. More importantly, with this trade experience under your belt, you will gain considerable confidence and develop your teamwork skills.