Materials Technician

Job description
Overview

As a member of the military, Materials Technicians maintain and repair land vehicles and related equipment. Materials Technicians belong to the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Their primary responsibilities are:
• Welding
• Machining
• Sheet metal work
• Painting
• Work with textiles, fibreglass and composite

Work environment

Materials Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working in different environments. Materials Technicians are employed at bases and stations across Canada and on deployed operations around the world. While on a base, they may be working in small spaces, like a workshop. In the field or on deployment they may work outdoors most of the time or in temporary accommodations. Their work usually supports Army units, but they may also work with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans
• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec, and Grade 10 Science or equivalent.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Materials Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in Borden, Ontario for about a year. Using a combination of instruction, demonstrations and practical work, they learn the following skills:
• Shop mathematics
• Interpretation of mechanical drawings and blueprints
• Power and hand tools
• Metallurgy and heat treatment
• Pattern development and layout
• Welding:
• Oxy-acetylene
• Gas Metal Arc
• Gas Tungsten Arc
• Shielded-metal Arc
• Plasma arc cutting
• Metal surface refinishing
• Auto body repair and refinishing
• Rust-proofing and retreatment
• Spray-painting
• Drilling, threading and reaming
• Textile repair
• Sewing-machine repair
• Respirator repair
• Repair of fibreglass and composite materials
• Identification of metals, alloys and plastics
On-the-job training

Materials Technicians are posted to a CAF Base for about 18 months of on-the-job training, which resembles a civilian apprenticeship program.

Materials Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including a 27-week intermediate training course. At the end of this training phase, a Materials Technician’s trade knowledge, skills and experience are comparable to those of a civilian journeyman.

There is also the possibility to take training to reach supervisor and manager levels. The supervisor level course takes about 13 weeks, and the manager level course takes about nine weeks.

As they progress in their career, Materials Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
• Advanced machining
• Advanced welding
• Non-destructive testing techniques
• Military bridging inspection
• ISO sea container inspection
• Occupational health and safety

Related Civilian Occupations
• General Welder
• Millwright
• Tool-and-Die Maker
• Sheet-Metal Worker
• Auto Body Repair Technician

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