The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) are pleased to have welcomed 13 veterans to the launch of VetPaths, the Veteran Employment Pathway, on 7 February 2022.
These 13 veterans participated in a recruitment process in the second half of 2021. DVA and Defence offered positions where military experience was recognised as helping applicants succeed. The positions were in most capital cities, and placed veterans according to their qualifications and skills.
About VetPaths
DVA, the Department of Defence and the APSC have worked together to create VetPaths. VetPaths helps veterans move into meaningful and ongoing Australian Public Service (APS) careers. It also supports veterans who have already made the transition into the APS.
VetPaths is the first veteran-only pathway leading to an ongoing role in the APS. It offers support to veterans during their first year in the APS, including:
- formal learning and development
- a mentor
- an internal buddy
- access to peer networks
- family inclusion events.
Induction
Participants took part in a five day induction. Key personnel from DVA, Defence and the APS Academy:
- welcomed them to the APS
- provided an overview of the APS
- gave insights in how to succeed in an APS career after their service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
The group also began their formal learning with two APS Academy courses:
- Ethics and Value
- Understanding Government.
The Museum of Australian Democracy also provided background on the machinery of government. APS staff who are veterans also shared their experiences on moving from the ADF to the APS. They also provided tips on how to use their military experience to good effect in the APS. Most participants wanted to join the APS to continue to serve the Australian community in a meaningful way. Joining the APS was a way for them to do this.
We will evaluate how well VetPaths worked in 2022, and this may lead to an expansion of the program to other agencies. We hope the program continues in 2023. Please check the DVA website for more information, as well as other career opportunities.