What are veteran employment programs?
Veteran employment programs are initiatives designed to help former members of the Australian Defence Force transition to civilian careers. These programs connect veterans with suitable job opportunities, training resources and professional networks to help them make the most of their skills in the civilian workplace. For employers, these programs offer access to an often underutilised talent pool as well as a range of resources for hiring and supporting veterans effectively.
Unlike traditional hiring channels, these programs typically offer tailored services, such as assistance with identifying transferable skills, resume building and job matching, to help employers better understand the value of a veteran’s individual experience. This type of support ensures that veterans are placed in roles where they can thrive and that they meet the specific needs of the organisation to which they are applying.
Related: Pre-employment Assessments: Psychometric Testing, Skills and More
Benefits of hiring veterans
Veterans typically have a wide range of skills that translate directly to civilian roles. These may include leadership, project management, critical thinking skills, and especially the ability to work under pressure. For example, veterans who manage logistics in the military can easily transition into supply chain or operational management roles. Their military training will also have instilled discipline, resilience and a commitment to excellence in them – all qualities that tend to lead to higher productivity and stronger team cohesion.
In addition, employing veterans can increase workplace diversity by bringing in different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Most veterans are accustomed to working in multicultural teams and navigating complex challenges, which can bring fresh ideas to an organisation and thus drive innovation. Hiring veterans can, therefore, be a sound strategic choice for businesses keen to establish a reputation as inclusive and socially responsible employers.
Furthermore, financial incentives such as wage subsidies, training grants and tax concessions are often available to businesses hiring veterans – all of which can make this a cost-effective decision for employers.
Related: Is Skills-Based Hiring the Way of the Future?
Australian veteran employment programs
With Australian employment continuing to surge and job creation in the near term predicted to remain strong, there will likely also be more opportunities for veterans. Here are some of the most notable programs available for employers seeking support when hiring veterans, in particular:
1) Soldier On
Soldier On works closely with Australian businesses to provide veterans with tailored employment opportunities. Employers get access to a pool of pre-screened candidates and resources to support veteran-friendly hiring practices. In addition, Soldier On offers professional development workshops to help veterans enhance their skills and prepare for new career paths.
2) RSL Employment Program
This program, run by the Returned and Services League of Australia, offers comprehensive support for veterans, including job-matching services, career workshops and mentorship. In turn, employers participating in the program gain access to veteran talent networks and benefit from guidance on how to create veteran-inclusive workplaces.
3) Defence Industry Pathways Program
Specifically designed to connect veterans with roles in Australia’s growing defence industry, this program provides highly specialised training and career pathways. Employers in the defence sector can participate in the Defence Industry Pathways Program to find skilled candidates who are already familiar with the industry’s unique requirements and challenges.
4) Local and national government grants and programs
In addition to national initiatives, there are some local governments and state-specific programs that provide additional support for employers hiring veterans. These initiatives include grants, training subsidies and other tailored resources.
For example, the Veterans’ Employment Commitment program, a national initiative managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, enables businesses across Australia to publicly demonstrate their support for veteran hiring. Essentially, this program helps employers build their reputation as veteran-friendly workplaces and attract top talent from this highly skilled demographic.
At a local level, state governments may also provide targeted support. For example, Victoria’s Veterans Employment Program focuses on increasing employment opportunities for veterans within the public sector, while also offering grants and resources for private-sector employers in the region. Similar programs are available in other states, based on regional priorities and funding.
How to develop a veteran-friendly hiring process
Employers can take several steps to ensure their hiring processes are inclusive and welcoming to veterans. One effective strategy is to tailor job descriptions to highlight how military skills align with civilian roles. This can be done by avoiding overly technical or corporate language that may not resonate with veterans, and instead emphasising transferable skills such as leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Collaborating with organisations like Soldier On or the RSL Employment Program can also help to improve the hiring process. These organisations provide employers with resources and guidance on recruiting veterans to ensure that both parties are well-prepared for a successful collaboration.
What’s more, setting up tailored onboarding programs is an important step, as veterans often face a steep learning curve when transitioning to civilian workplaces. Offering training on company culture, role expectations and available resources can make this transition easier and set veterans up for success. Appointing a veteran liaison officer or mentor within the organisation, for example, can further improve the onboarding experience by addressing any challenges newly hired veterans may encounter.
Related: Recruit Smarter, Not Harder, with Indeed Smart Sourcing
Financial incentives for hiring veterans
Employers in Australia can access several financial incentives when hiring veterans. Although the JobMaker Hiring Credit introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer available, companies wanting to employ veterans can still benefit from financial incentives through other programs.
Wage subsidies offered by the Defence Force Transition Program can help offset the initial hiring and training costs. In addition, government grants are available to fund training and upskilling initiatives for veteran employees to ensure they acquire the skills needed to succeed in civilian roles.
Employers are best advised to consult local government resources and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website for up-to-date information on available incentives.
Building a supportive workplace for veterans
Once veterans are hired, it is important to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace. By focusing on creating a work environment that supports veterans’ professional growth, lasting success for both sides is much more likely. Establishing mentorship programs, for example, can help veterans navigate their new roles and develop clear career paths. Pairing veterans with experienced mentors also fosters a sense of belonging and can give them valuable guidance.
Encouraging ongoing professional development is another key step. Employers will ideally offer opportunities for veterans to participate in training programs or earn industry-specific certifications to enhance their career prospects while benefiting the organisation as well.
Finally, open communication is always significant when it comes to creating an inclusive workplace. It is a good idea for employers to establish formal feedback channels and encourage veterans in the workforce to voice their specific concerns or suggestions. Regular check-ins with management can help them feel heard and supported, which will improve veteran employee satisfaction and, ultimately, retention.
Related: Employee Satisfaction Surveys: What They Are and Why They’re Important for Your Business
Veterans can bring unmatched skills and resilience to the civilian workforce, which makes them valuable assets for employers. By utilising veteran employment programs and implementing veteran-friendly hiring practices, businesses can tap into a broader talent pool while fostering workplace diversity and innovation. This, coupled with financial incentives and support from organisations like Soldier On and the RSL Employment Program, can make hiring veterans a rewarding decision.
