With its target to employ 1500 veterans met a year ahead of schedule, the State Government is now helping more veterans transition to civilian life and find meaningful employment in the public sector.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman announced on Tuesday 9 April that the Federal Government will be expanding the target, offering 300 additional public sector roles.
The expanded target will now support 1800 veterans to secure a role in the public sector by June 2025, as part of the Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy.
Premier Jacinta Allan said this is a great pathway for veterans to overcome challenges of finding employment.
“Victorian veterans are some of the most qualified, skilled and talented people in our state, and that’s why we want more of them working in the public sector,” she said.
“We are proud to honour the contribution of the ex-service community, and support veterans and their families.”
Since 2017, the Government has recruited 1541 veterans into public sector roles with 537 becoming sworn members of Victoria Police and a further 164 taking up jobs in Corrections and Youth Justice.
While many veterans successfully transition out of the Defence Force to civilian life, some experience challenges finding employment, in part, because of the need to navigate new systems and processes.
The strategy supports veterans who may face barriers or challenges with skills recognition and translation, lack of mentorship and professional networks, and resume writing and interview experience.
Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman said recruiting veterans has been a great asset for the state.
“We’ve already recruited more than 1,500 highly skilled veterans and now we want an additional 300 service men and women to take up secure and well-paid jobs – working for Victoria,” she said.
It is designed to assist veterans into employment through a range of initiatives, including Veteran Employment Workshops, the Veteran Employment Network and the Veteran Mentor Program, which pairs current and former Australian Defence Force members with mentors to help with job applications and career advancement.
These initiatives create networks, allow veterans to learn about job opportunities, and translate the skills acquired during their Defence service into nationally recognised civilian qualifications.
The Federal Government has also invested $220,000 to deliver a landmark Recognition of Prior Learning for Veterans Pilot Program – so the skills and knowledge earned during their service is reflected in nationally recognised civilian qualifications and skill sets.
This includes a specialised Veteran Liaison Officer who works closely with TAFEs and Skills and Jobs Centres across Victoria to ensure all veterans, no matter where they live, can have their skills recognised.
