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Current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will have the opportunity to partner with business leaders to develop essential workplace and business skills as part of the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program.
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The eight-month program pairs the Defence member with a local business figure to share knowledge and insights, working on career planning, skills translation, business tips and networking.
It is set to include monthly online workshops with guest speakers to provide additional ongoing training.
The latest iteration of the program is an extension of a previous six-month program and will commence in April. To date, 35 members of the veteran community have completed the program.
Veterans SA has outlined that the program will be broken into two different streams, including a career and skills development stream as well as a business development and entrepreneurship stream, providing participants with the opportunity to meet their unique needs.
Mentors have come from business, academia, strategy and consulting.
Program participant and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran Kat Hare, founder of Emereas, explained that the program provides attendees with the fundamental knowledge for success in their post-service careers.
“When I was medically separated from the RAAF in 2022, I lost my identity, purpose and belonging. Business helped me regain my identity and purpose, but belonging was still absent,” she said.
“I needed a mentor, someone who could soundboard my ideas, challenge my plans and ask good questions that led to breakthroughs. I was matched with Paul, who gave me everything I needed.
“My message to other veterans is the people, presentations and resources of the mentoring program will help you, no matter what stage of business you’re at.”
The program is designed to help veterans take the jump into post-service professional life, Minister for Veterans Affairs Geoff Brock said.
“This innovative program is a valuable stepping stone for veterans wanting to gain new skills and experience as they transition into the workforce,” Minister Brock said.
“The program also supports families of Defence members by enabling partners to get involved and demonstrate their own unique capabilities gained through Defence life.
“The connections made and networks built through the program will help those involved in the next stage of their professional careers.
“Having direct access to leading industry figures and learning from business mentors will go a long way in improving long-term employment outcomes for participants.”
