This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification provides foundational skills and knowledge for individuals considering careers in Defence, Defence-related industries, or other structured work environments in the public sector. This qualification is suitable for delivery through VET delivered to Secondary Students, Australian Defence Force Cadets, and other youth development programs.
Where relevant, some units of competency in this qualification may be recognised on entry to Defence and the Australian Defence Force.
Graduates of this qualification:
- demonstrate foundational teamwork and communication skills
- display emerging leadership capabilities to support team cohesion
- apply basic safety procedures and contribute to the wellbeing of self and others
- participate in ceremonial and field-based activities aligned with Defence protocols
- apply entry-level technical skills across selected elective fields.
Foundation Skills Outcomes
The foundation skills outcomes implicit in this qualification are outlined in the below table.
Learning
Reading
Writing
Oral Communication
Numeracy
2
2
2
2
1
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Qualification only:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Contribute to the health and safety of self and others | Core |
| Display the attributes of Defence personnel | Core |
| Integrate into the Defence working environment | Core |
| Work in a team | Core |
| Access and use resources | Elective |
| Apply communication skills | Elective |
| Apply introductory programming techniques | Elective |
| Create electronic presentations | Elective |
| Develop and use information literacy skills | Elective |
| Identify and report online security threats | Elective |
| Interpret policy, legislation and regulations | Elective |
| Navigate in difficult tracked environments | Elective |
| Navigate in remote and unmodified landscapes | Elective |
| Navigate in tracked environments | Elective |
| Operate application software packages | Elective |
| Operate communications systems and equipment | Elective |
| Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements | Elective |
| Operate digital devices | Elective |
| Participate in ceremonial activities | Elective |
| Perform simple musical pieces | Elective |
| Prepare to work safely in the construction industry | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Research using the internet | Elective |
| Securely manage personally identifiable information and workplace information | Elective |
| Select, set up and operate a temporary or overnight site | Elective |
| Shift materials safely using manual handling methods | Elective |
| Use business software applications | Elective |
| Use electric welding machines | Elective |
| Use electrical skills when working with telecommunications networks | Elective |
| Use hand and power tools | Elective |
| Work effectively in the organisation | Elective |
| Work effectively with others | Elective |
| Work in a public sector environment | Elective |
| Work with equity and diversity | Elective |
| Write simple documents | Elective |
Training providers delivering Certificate II in Defence Skills
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
No providers found for this course.
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.