New pathways to ex-service employment
Pathways to employment and the benefits of employing veterans upon transition from the Australian Defence Force were the key focus of the Veterans’ Employment Program roundtable in Brisbane on Friday 22nd of June.
Hosted by Boeing Defence Australia, which was named Large Business Employer of the Year at the 2018 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards, the event was attended by more than 50 representatives of organisations looking to improve career pathways for ex-defence personnel.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said having three finalists from the 2018 Awards – Ms Rachel Ranton from Westpac, Ms Kathryn Burr from Boeing and Mr Stuart Munro from Turner & Townsend – talk about their experiences provided insight into the skills and capabilities of service men and women.
“The roundtable is an opportunity to discuss how businesses can benefit from employing veterans and also recognises the unique skills set and capabilities a veteran can bring to any kind of business,” Mr Chester said.
“We know that the rate of veteran unemployment currently sits around eight per cent 13 months after moving into civilian life and we want to work with business and veterans to help find meaningful employment and reduce this rate.
“In a partnership approach with the community, business sector and with industry, along with government agencies at all levels we can make sure more veterans make the transition into employment.”
“Veterans provide a valuable set of skills that transfer well into a business environment. This program broadens the conversation with employers about veteran skills and experience and how they provide a tangible value-add for Australian businesses,” said Stuart Munro, Project Manager and panellist, Turner & Townsend.
Mr Chester said through the Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Program, the Government continues to work with an Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment (IAC) to deliver a number of important initiatives.
“The IAC has a wealth of experience in both industry and business and have been a driving force behind a number of initiatives to help veterans find civilian employment,” Mr Chester said.
“The employment program is heading in the right direction, and with the continued support of the community, business and industry I look forward to seeing more businesses employ more veterans.”
Details of the Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Program and case studies of veterans in the workforce can be found online while businesses wishing to receive information about upcoming events should register their interest at veteransemployment@dva.gov.au.
