Continuing to Serve – APS Veteran Employment Pathway pilot completed

On 8 December 2022, the department acknowledged the success of 13 men and women who completed the very first Veteran Employment Pathway (VetPaths) Program – a pathway to ongoing employment in the Australian Public Service (APS). The program is a collaboration between DVA, the Department of Defence and the Australian Public Service Commission.

In February 2022, we reported thirteen veterans had been placed in various positions within DVA and Defence that best matched their qualifications and skills.

The program aimed to help veterans gain ongoing jobs in the APS. A key focus was on development, to provide targeted support for participants as they transition from a military background. The pathway was designed to ensure long-term success and was supported by the APS Academy, which equips people and teams with the skills, tools and knowledge to shape and deliver excellent outcomes for Government and the Australian community.

The program was based on four pillars:

  • an APS Academy-led learning and development program
  • a formal mentoring program to help set initial APS career goals
  • a buddy program, accessing an internal veteran employee as a buddy
  • family inclusion activities.

The pilot would not have been as successful without the tremendous support of our partners throughout the year – Defence and the APS Academy.

A formal pilot evaluation is underway.  More information is at VetPaths page of the department’s website, including how to register interest for potential future programs.

A group of people involved with the pilot program stand in a semi-circle holding certificates.

Photo caption: The first participants of DVA’s Veteran Employment Pathway, from left: Tony, Jim, Brett, Andrew, Tina, Liam, Sisir, then DVA Secretary Liz Cosson AM CSC, Adam, Mick (coordinator), Will and Steve (absent: Erika, Kallum and Jason)