You have an amazing opportunity to work with some wonderful people who have seen value in veterans and their families and what you can actually offer.
The 2023 Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program officially launched this week at a dynamic event hosted at the Stone & Chalk Startup Hub.
Developed to provide growth opportunities to people who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their partners, 19 pairs will participate in this year’s program.
In a program first, 5 mentee participants are partners of veterans, 7 are current serving members or Reservists, and the remainder have previously served.
Mentees have been partnered with experienced South Australian business leaders who will share their knowledge and expertise as mentors to support participants to unlock their full potential.
For many participants, the launch event was the first time they met their partner in person, and the venue was buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm from the start.
The evening commenced with an induction workshop led by program facilitator, Christine Molitor of Be Sustained, where participants were guided through goal and objective setting activities to start planning their program pathway.
Participants were then joined by professionals from across a variety of South Australian industries and sectors, presenting an opportunity to start building their professional network.
The networking event was opened by the Hon. Geoff Brock, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, who explained that the program had been carefully planned to support current and former ADF members and their partners to develop the skills required to prepare for future careers and ventures.
“I have no doubt that with the support and guidance of your mentor, you will each develop the knowledge and expertise you need to take your career or business further,” he said.
Royal Australian Air Force veteran, Invictus Games medallist and Port Adelaide Football Club ADF Veterans Transition program facilitator, Ashley Muir, delivered an inspirational keynote speech that left the group motivated and excited for the experience to come.
Ashley described the challenges of his own transition journey, particularly his experience of a loss of identity, community, and connection.
“I struggled to see how I’d be able to use the skills I gained through the military and how I could continue to do the things I was I was passionate about, like leading, mentoring and instructing,” he said.
Ashley explained that it took stepping outside of his comfort zone and seizing opportunities, no matter how ‘anxiety provoking’ they were, to lead him to the exciting prospects he has since been presented with. He encouraged participants to do the same.
“You have an amazing opportunity to work with some wonderful people who have seen value in veterans and their families and what you can actually offer,” he said.
“Get involved and get uncomfortable because you don’t know what opportunities can come from engaging in this program.”
Over the next six months, mentee participants will meet with their mentors to work towards achieving their goals around career planning, skill development and business development.
Program facilitator, Christine Molitor, is excited to watch this year’s group learn from each other and the positive outcomes it will achieve.
“It is incredibly heartening to see such an enthusiastic group here to launch this fantastic program,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the participants over the next six months as they develop their relationship and start working towards the goals they set together here tonight.”
The 2023 Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program will run until November 2023. Further events will be held throughout the program, providing more opportunities for professional development, confidence building and networking with likeminded individuals.
Click here to learn more about the Veterans SA Career & Business Mentoring Program
