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The South Australian government has announced additional support for employers to attract and retain veterans and their partners.
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The South Australian Veteran Employer Network, comprised of local employers across the private and public sectors that recognise the value veterans bring to workplaces, wants to help them achieve career success after their service.
The network, part of a $2.1 million state budget commitment to improve outcomes for veterans and their families, includes consulting and service businesses, banking, defence industry, emergency services, and local government.
The network connects like-minded employers while educating them on the benefits of veteran/partner employment, with details of candidates shared among members – enabling more veterans and their partners to secure meaningful employment.
Mentoring and guidance is also provided for employers seeking to hire and retain veterans, covering recruitment, workplace support, and cultural awareness.
Regular bi-monthly networking events are planned for 2024 to further build engagement and opportunities across the network.
“We want more businesses to be aware of the great opportunities that come with employing veterans and the diverse skill sets they can bring,” according to SA Minister for Veterans Affairs Geoff Brock.
“By building a network of like-minded employers, we are fostering a supportive environment that leads to better job outcomes and helps veterans find work.
“Defence partners also share unique qualities and experiences that are highly sought after in the workplace, making them another valuable addition to South Australia’s economy.”
Fifteen organisations are currently signed up, with Veterans SA looking to expand membership and encourage other businesses to join the network and recognise veterans’ unique skills and experiences.
The state government is delivering a series of projects and programs to support veterans who have or are considering transitioning from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as families of current and former members.
Each year, more than 6,000 veterans transition from the ADF, offering civilian employers specialist qualifications and technical expertise in addition to transferable skills in leadership, discipline, and teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
“It has been exciting to work with employers from different sectors to establish the South Australian Veteran Employer Network,” said Veterans SA director Chantelle Bohan.
“The network is a unique connector, facilitating collaboration between employers, where there is no competition between members and the group’s sole focus is meaningful outcomes for the veteran community.
“We look forward to working with the network to shape positive employment outcomes and invite other organisations with a genuine interest to reach out to us if this initiative is something they can contribute to or benefit from.”
