There is no one right way to go back to work after service. You may be: 

• looking for your first civilian job 
• changing careers 
• building new skills  
• easing back into work over time 

Veterans often have strong skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and adapting to change. A common challenge is explaining these skills in a way civilian employers understand. You can Identify your skills and help translate your ADF experience into civilian language. 

Military Skill recognition

The ADF Transition and Civilain recognition project facilitates ADF members having their military skills recognised through a national qualification as part of their transition to the civilian workforce.

ADF Transition and Civil Recognition provides transitioning members, and those who have transitioned within 24 months, the opportunity to have skills recognised through recognition of prior learning (RPL), and accredited where possible. 

Programs and services that can help 

Veteran Employment Program 

The Veteran Employment Program (VEP) has resources to support veterans and partners to secure employment and progress in their careers, understand the civilian workplace, identify and build skills and find a job. 

Through the Veteran Employment Commitment veterans and partners can identify employers that have policies and practices in place to support their employment, search for these employers by filtering by location and industry on the VEP website. 

VetPaths  

The VetPaths program aims to highlight Australian Public Service (APS) employment opportunities to veterans and provides a structured support system, including resources, mentoring and development opportunities, once employed.  

Future Women Jobs Academy 

The Future Women Jobs Academy program provides support for women and gender diverse people who have served in the ADF as well as partners of veterans, to build confidence and shaping civilian careers. 

Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP)  

The Defence Force Transition Program offers advice, support and programs to assist with finding civilian employment. Services are available for up to 24 months through your local Transition Centre. The DFTP includes career transition coaching and career focussed modules that cover interview and negotiation skills, resume and job search and connecting participants to jobs

Support for Employment Program 

The Support for Employment Program is for veterans who are between 12 months and five years post‑separation. If eligible, you can apply for this program through MyService by clicking the Services and Benefits tile.  

Self-employment support 

Programs such as King’s Trust Australia’s Enterprise Program and Workforce Australia Self-Employment Assistance can support for veterans who are exploring self-employment or business pathways. 

Support for partners 

Work changes can affect the whole family. Partners may also need help to: 

• find work 
• change jobs  
• rebuild confidence after transition or relocation 

You can: 

• explore the Veteran Employment Program resources for partners for practical employment advice 
• use the existing partner-friendly employer search link to find organisations that support veteran and partner employment 
• access the Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) to help with employment costs (up to $1,500 per financial year for eligible ADF member’s partners in Australia)

Thinking about money 

Changes to work or income can affect your financial situation.  It can help to review your finances early and understand what support is available. 

You can: 

• Explore the budgeting skills and tools and the financial advice page on this website  
• Watch the Services Australia Financial Information Service webinars, including the webinar for veterans and families. 
• Explore DVA’s Sort your finances resources. 
• Use the finance section of the ADF Transition Guide app. 

If things feel overwhelming 

Stress about work can affect your mental health, confidence and sense of stability. Support is available.  

• Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for veterans and families.  
• Lifeline and Beyond Blue are also available for immediate emotional support.