- Skills mapping initiative to guide Australian Defence Force veterans transitioning into defence industry jobs
- McGowan Government to provide new career pathways into the defence industry, further education, and training
- Workforce solution complements the Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme supporting veterans into non-service roles
Training Minister Simone McGurk and Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia today announced work is underway on a new tool to help defence veterans transition into long-term careers.
Noetic Group has been contracted to undertake skills mapping of Australian Defence Force (ADF) roles and jobs in the defence industry - and create a career advice toolkit - to assist defence veterans' transition into Western Australia's defence industry, which is in need of skilled workers.
The information made available through the McGowan Government's Veterans Skills Mapping Initiative will be used to show where skills align, supporting career advisors and employers to provide advice on appropriate pathways to defence industry jobs, further education, and training opportunities.
Occupations such as engineers, project managers, logistics personnel, technicians, commercial management professionals, cyber and ICT professionals will be crucial as WA continues to prepare for current and future defence work.
Approximately 300 ADF members transition into civilian life in WA each year. Veterans have valuable skills which can be effectively used in the defence industry - especially when combined with their defence security clearance status - making them strong candidates to remain working in the industry.
The initiative is part of the $11 million package for defence industry workforce initiatives announced in the 2022-23 State Budget, aimed at securing the skilled professional and para-professional workers required for the WA defence industry.
It will also complement the existing Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme assisting veterans into training and employment, and support the State Government's Veterans and Families Strategy - particularly as it relates to promoting veteran participation in the civilian workforce, including the WA defence industry.
As stated by Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"As a workforce cohort, veterans are disciplined, have a strong work ethic, and have experience using the products created by the defence industry - making them fantastic candidates to continue employment in defence-related work.
"This initiative will help build WA's skilled defence workforce required to meet current and future needs.
"The McGowan Government's commitment to building Western Australia's defence industry means there are exceptional opportunities for rewarding, long-term careers in the sector."
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"Veterans have extremely valuable skills which can be effectively utilised by the defence industry.
"Each year, around 300 Australian Defence Force members settle into civilian life in Western Australia.
"Consultation with industry and the Veterans community has shown this initiative is a great opportunity to support Veterans transitioning into defence industry jobs."
