South Australian Defence Force veterans and their families can access even greater support when transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce, under a TAFE SA program dedicated to helping veterans migrate their specialised skills and talents into new careers.

TAFE SA’s newly launched Skills Transition Education Program (STEP) provides comprehensive and customised support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families carving out new career pathways post service.

Developed in consultation with the Department of Defence and ex-service organisations, the program offers a range of services, such as career guidance, enrolment, retraining or upskilling and study support.

TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman said the program recognises ADF veterans’ unique experience, qualifications, and skill sets, which can be leveraged and transferred to meet the demands of the current and future workforce in South Australia.

“ADF veterans are able to hone their skills, often in challenging environments over time, and the result is incredible technical capability that gives them choice for their future careers,” Mr Coltman said.

“Through STEP, we help veterans see the opportunities that exist and to help them get the roles they desire. We support veterans through the vocational education and training (VET) system and we do this respectfully recognising their contribution and sacrifices they have made.

“This may involve broadening focused skills acquired in the ADF into something wider, for instance a defence mechanic could diversify their skills with training in LPG and electric systems, while some veterans want a new start and may need advice to what the transferability of their experience is to new sectors and new roles.”

Each year in South Australia, around 374 ADF members transition from permanent military service into new career pathways.

Many Defence Force veterans face unique employment challenges, and their skills and potential often remains untapped, according to TAFE SA’s Manager of Education Partnerships, Government and Services, Michael Bassham, who played a key role in establishing the program.

Mr Bassham said it is crucial to harness veterans’ skills to build South Australia’s workforce in industries such as IT, cyber security, construction, defence, space and renewable energy, where there is an increasing demand for highly skilled VET qualified workers.

“Veterans are a hidden workforce often overlooked for jobs due to difficulties in the translation of their military skills,” Mr Bassham said.

“The technical skills they have acquired through their service are transferable to civilian roles and through STEP we bring the resources of TAFE SA and ex-service organisations to ADF members and their families to ensure they seamlessly transition into new careers.

“Whether transitioning members and their families are choosing a completely different field of study or career path, undertaking the recognition of skills process (RPL), engaging in gap training, or wanting to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship, STEP enables those transitioning to ready themselves for a career in many fast-growing industries.”

Veterans can access TAFE SA’s entire training portfolio, from short courses through to full qualifications, for both full and part-time study. STEP is also available to veteran partners, who often experience interrupted study and employment with frequent postings.

TAFE SA has also partnered with Soldier On, Returned & Services League of Australia (South Australian Branch), to offer ADF members and their families a needs-based suite of support services focusing on education, employment, and wellbeing aspects.

More information is available on the TAFE SA website www.tafesa.edu.au/STEP