Continuing to serve: Launch of the APS Veteran Employment Pathway
Participants in DVA’s Veteran Employment Pathway taking part in a five-day induction at DVA’s head office in Canberra. DVA Deputy Secretary Vicki Rundle PSM is third from left.
On 7 February 2022, DVA welcomed 13 veterans to the inaugural launch of its Veteran Employment Pathway (VetPaths).
VetPaths is a collaboration between DVA, Department of Defence and the Australian Public Service Commission. Its purpose is to aid transitioning and transitioned veterans to establish an ongoing, meaningful career in the Australian Public Service (APS).
This is the first veteran-exclusive pathway to lead to an ongoing role in the federal public sector. VetPaths offers veterans a variety of supports throughout their first year of employment with the Pathway including:
- formal learning and development
- a mentor
- an internal buddy
- access to peer networks
- family inclusion events.
VetPaths has been designed to ensure long-term career success in the APS. The 13 veterans participated in a recruitment process in the latter half of 2021. A variety of positions were on offer within DVA and Defence where military experience was recognised as being beneficial to success in the role. Roles were available in most capital cities across Australia, with placements best matched to their qualifications and skills.
Induction
Participants took part in a five-day induction where they heard from key personnel from DVA, Defence and the APS Academy who welcomed them to the APS, provided a comprehensive overview of how the APS works, and provided useful insights on how to succeed in their careers post Australian Defence Force (ADF) service.
The group also began their formal learning with two APS Academy courses: Ethics and Values, and Understanding Government. This included background on the machinery of government provided by representatives from the Museum of Australian Democracy. Current APS staff who are veterans also shared their experiences on transitioning from the ADF to the APS, and provided hints and tips on how to flourish using their military experience in an APS context.
The majority of participants said their main reason for seeking APS employment was wanting to continue to serve the Australian community in a meaningful way. This is why the program motto, Continuing to serve, is so important. Because it resonates with the mission and purpose of both the APS and the ADF.
A formal program evaluation will take place that may lead to an expansion of the program scope to other APS agencies.
We hope that the program will continue in 2023 and will advise when applications are due to open.
All other career opportunities to work at DVA can be found on the department’s website: dva.gov.au/about-us/careers. Information on VetPaths is also on the DVA website.
Deputy Secretary Stuart Smith AO, DSC (on screen left) welcoming participants on day 1.
The first Cohort of DVA’s Veteran Employment Pathway participants from left to right: Tony (APS Academy), Kallum, Mick (DVA, coordinator), Brett, Steve, Jason (screen), William (screen), Liam, Erika, James, Sisir and Adam. (absent: Alaric and Tina).
DVA Assistant Director and Veterans Employment Pathways coordinator, Mick Barnes talking to the group about his transition experience from ADF to APS.
APSC Assistant Director, Tony Watson facilitating the first course from the APS Academy.