The CF endeavors to recognize and provide individuals with credit for appropriate training and education that is directly applicable to the requirements of the individual's selected military occupation.  Such applicants are called “semi-skilled”.

For example, a licensed mechanic or an individual who has completed a community college technologist diploma program, or part thereof, may be entitled to some exemptions to military occupation training for selected occupations.  The individual may apply for the job so long as there are job openings within the military occupations that require these particular skills.  On completion of the Basic Military Qualification and the necessary skills update training, the individual will be posted to a unit and employed in their selected occupation. 

Depending on their qualification level, many qualified recruits will be eligible for incentives such as promotion to the rank of acting leading seaman, with an annual starting salary of approximately $49,000, immediately after the successful completion of basic training, and in some cases a signing bonus. 

Contact a recruiter to find out which of the following Navy trades best matches your qualifications:

Technician trades:
·Naval Weapons Technician
·Naval Electronic Technician (Sonar)
·Naval Electronics Technician (Communications)
·Naval Electronics Technician (Radar)
·Marine Engineering Mechanic 
·Hull Technician
·Marine Electrician 

Operator trades:
·Boatswain
·Naval Combat Information Operator
·Naval Electronic Sensor Operator
·Naval Communicator 
·Sonar Operator
·Steward

The higher your education level, the more options are open to you, so you are encouraged to take advantage of the Canadian Forces subsidized post-secondary education plans.