What is a veteran?
In Australia, a veteran is defined as any individual who has served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including full-time members, reservists and those who have already transitioned to civilian life. Veterans typically have a wealth of experience and will have worked in diverse and high-pressure environments during their service.
Importantly, veterans are not just former combatants. Their roles in the ADF can also include work in logistics, engineering, IT, healthcare and other sectors. This diversity in expertise makes veterans versatile candidates for many industries.
What jobs are suitable for veterans?
Veterans are not confined to specific jobs after leaving the military. Their transferable skills make them ideal for roles in areas such as leadership, operations, logistics and technical fields. For example, veterans with engineering or IT expertise will do well in technology or infrastructure sectors, while those with experience managing teams in the Australian Defence Force are well-suited for managerial positions.
In addition, veterans often have strong soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and teamwork. These qualities are highly valued in industries such as healthcare, energy and education, in particular, which rely heavily on collaboration and innovative approaches.
Another important consideration is veterans’ ability to work under pressure and manage crises effectively. This asset makes them particularly valuable in fast-paced environments like retail, hospitality and emergency services.
By matching veterans’ skills with job requirements, employers can realise their full potential and fill critical roles within their organisations.
Why hire veterans?
Hiring veterans comes with several benefits that can help organisations be significantly more successful. This is because veterans bring a unique combination of technical expertise, resilience and discipline to their roles. These attributes, which they have developed through their rigorous training and diverse experiences in the ADF, often lead to increased productivity and stronger team cohesion. For example, veterans accustomed to managing logistics in high-pressure environments can easily transition into roles such as supply chain management or operational planning, where they can directly apply these skills.
Financial incentives further strengthen the case for hiring veterans. Wage subsidies, training grants and tax concessions are available through government programs and all help to offset the costs of recruitment, onboarding and training. These incentives make hiring veterans an economically sound decision and, at the same time, support their integration into the civilian workforce.
Related: 5 Ways Indeed Integrates With Your Hiring Process
Developing a veteran-friendly hiring process
Employers hiring veterans may consider how recruitment and onboarding practices support individuals transitioning from military service. Job descriptions can reference transferable skills such as leadership or teamwork, which veterans often develop in the Australian Defence Force. Veterans may access external resources or programs, such as Soldier On and the RSL Employment Program. Onboarding that introduces company culture, expectations, and available support resources can help new employees adjust from military to civilian work.
Related: Onboarding New Employees: A Step-by-Step Guide for Employers
Available veteran employment programs
In Australia, there are several programs to support employers hiring veterans. These initiatives connect businesses with veteran job seekers, on the one hand, and provide guidance on creating inclusive workplaces, on the other.
- Soldier On: This program collaborates with businesses to offer tailored employment opportunities for veterans. Employers benefit from professional development workshops, job-matching services and access to a pool of highly skilled candidates.
- RSL Employment Program: Run by the Returned and Services League of Australia, this initiative provides comprehensive support, including career workshops and mentorship for veterans while employers gain access to veteran networks and receive guidance on creating veteran-friendly workplaces.
- Defence Industry Pathways Program: Specifically aimed at Australia’s defence sector, this program focuses on providing specialised training and career pathways for veterans. Employers in the defence industry can use the program to find candidates familiar with the sector’s unique characteristics and demands.
- Local and national grants: Beyond the above programs, employers can draw on local and national grants that support the hiring of veterans. These initiatives often include wage subsidies, training incentives and other forms of financial support.
Retaining veteran employees
Veterans bring a wide range of skills and experiences that can contribute to organisational success. Supportive workplaces, access to professional development, and available external resources may help veterans adjust to civilian roles. Practices such as mentoring, feedback, and well-being programs can benefit all employees, including veterans, and support retention while helping employees contribute effectively.
Related: 10 Employee Retention Strategies to Keep Employees Happy and Motivated
Challenges and benefits of hiring veterans
While veterans bring many strengths to the workforce, some employers may find it challenging to translate their military experience to civilian roles. However, veterans can mitigate these challenges with targeted approaches. For example, undergoing training in interview preparation and resume writing tailored to employer resume searches can help veterans better communicate their skills.
Employers also have an opportunity to educate their teams about the value veterans bring. Internal training sessions on the benefits of hiring veterans can help create a more inclusive culture and ensure that all employees understand the importance of supporting their veteran colleagues.
Integrating veterans into the workforce is not just about filling roles – rather, it is an opportunity to hire skilled, adaptable individuals who can bring unique value to organisations. Veterans have special qualities developed through rigorous training and diverse experiences that can contribute to making workplaces more successful. Therefore, employers who adopt veteran-friendly hiring practices and make use of available support programs can build environments where veterans thrive, fostering mutual benefits for both employees and businesses.
