Whether you have already stepped out of the ADF uniform, are considering transitioning or are the partner of a current serving member, connecting with a career support program will ensure you are equipped to succeed in the civilian world.
Career support programs not only provide participants with the tools to carve out new career pathways, apply for roles or prepare for the civilian workforce, they also facilitate connections with employers who value the skills and experience current and former serving members and Defence partners can contribute in the workplace.
ADF Veteran Employment Program
The Australian Government’s Veteran Employment Program (VEP) can support veterans and families to find civilian employment. Veterans and partners can access information and advice on understanding the civilian workplace, finding and getting a job, identifying and translating your skills and starting your own business.
You can also visit the VEP website to find potential veteran-friendly employers who have joined the Veteran Employment Commitment. These are organisations who have demonstrated they have workplace policies and practices in place to support veterans. You can filter by industry, organisation size, location and veteran employment practices. Partners can also filter organisations who employ ‘partners of serving and ex-serving ADF members’
Skill Recognition
Australian Defence Force (ADF) members can have their military skills recognised through a national qualification before transitioning to civilian employment.
Skills, knowledge and experience can be formally recognised through a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL), sometimes called recognition of current competency.
RPL validates skills against nationally accredited units of competency for the award of a statement of attainment or a full qualification.
To assist partners of serving ADF members the Department of Defence has a Partner Employment Assistance Program, to provide ADF partners with funding assistance to access professional employment services and/or pay for the cost of fees for professional registration due to relocation.
Partners have the flexibility of opting to receive services from Defence’s professional employment services provider or a provider of their choice.
StoryRight workshops assist Australian military members in their transition from military to civilian life by providing the tools to translate their military skills and experiences into language that can be understood by regular civilians. Being able to relate to the ‘civilian world’ will assist participants in gaining post-ADF employment and boost confidence in the transition process.
Sessions are guided by facilitators with lived experience of the ADF transition process. During the workshop, participants will develop a strong personal narrative and conduct interview training to enhance their competitiveness in the civilian job market.
The RSL Veterans’ Employment Program assists former serving ADF personnel and the partners and immediate family members of current and former serving ADF personnel to find their passion and purpose and plan rewarding careers. You do not need to be a member of the RSL to take advantage of this service.
Services provided through the program are free of charge to participants and include career support services, specialist coaches and gaining access to an extensive employer network.
The Soldier On Pathways Program provides free, practical support to ADF members as they transition to their civilian career. The service is also available to those who have already separated from Defence and family members of current and former serving personnel.
The program is designed to support participants to secure meaningful long-term employment through skills translation and development as well as connecting participants with the program’s “Pledge Companies” through regular networking events.
The Princes Trust Australia Enterprise Programme supports transitioning or former ADF personnel and their partners who have an interest in pursuing self-employment, including entrepreneurship and small business.
The program assists participants to build their confidence, explore the benefits of self-employment, plan for self-employment and business start-up. There are also opportunities to connect with like-minded business owners, industry experts and mentors.
