Mentoring is about connection, guidance and learning from someone with experience you can draw on. 

For veterans and families, mentoring can be a practical way to navigate change. This might include transitioning from Defence, returning to study or work, starting something new, or rebuilding confidence after a difficult period. 

Mentoring is not only for people in crisis. It can also help if you want guidance, encouragement or a sounding board, at your pace and on your terms.  

What mentoring can look like 

Mentoring might be: 

• One-to-one or in a small group 
• Short term or ongoing 
• Formal or informal 
• Focused on work, education, transition, leadership or personal goals 

A mentor can help you explore options, learn from experience, build confidence and identify practical next steps. 

Who mentoring can support 

Mentoring can help: 

• Veterans navigating transition or career change 
• Partners rebuilding work or study pathways after Defence life 
• Family members returning to the workforce after caring roles 
• People looking to build confidence, skills or direction 
• People looking for informal support, guidance or connection 

Mentors may be veterans, family members, peers, or people with experience in a particular field or stage of life. 

Why mentoring matters 

Many veterans and families of veterans say some of the most valuable support comes from people who understand their experience. 

Mentoring can help people: 

• Reduce isolation and uncertainty 
• Build confidence and clarity 
• Support decision-making without pressure 
• Create a sense of connection and belonging 
• Help people recognise their strengths and transferable skills 

Mentoring is often most powerful when combined with other supports, such as education, employment services and wellbeing support. 

Finding mentoring support 

You may be able to find mentoring through veteran and family organisations, employment and transition programs, education pathways and local peer networks. 

• Veteran and family organisations, such as Soldier On mentoring programs 
• Employment and transition programs, including the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program and VetPaths for veterans entering the APS 
• Community and peer networks that connect people with shared experiences 
• Local Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, which may help you find trusted programs and supports in your area 

If you are not sure where to start, a hub, ex-service organisation or transition support service may be able to help you find an option that fits your goals, life stage and circumstances. 

Examples of mentoring programs 

Programs change over time, but these examples show the kinds of mentoring support veterans and families may be able to access. 

• Soldier On offers mentoring programs for veterans, current service members and family members, including short and longer-term options. 
• VetPaths includes career mentoring, peer support and wellbeing support for veterans moving into Australian Public Service roles. 
• Future Women Jobs Academy supports women and gender-diverse veterans, and partners, with mentoring, coaching and networking as part of career support. 
• RSL Veterans’ Employment Program offers employment and career support to veterans and their partners. 

Check current eligibility and availability with the provider. 

Key takeaways 

• Think about what kind of support you want from mentoring. 
• Look for an option that fits your goals, time and life stage. 
• Start with a trusted organisation, program or local hub if you are not sure where to begin. 
• Check which programs are open to veterans, partners or family members.