Supporting Veterans into Tertiary Education and Employment
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
The Albanese Government is further delivering on our commitment to empowering veterans in their transition to the civilian workforce and to pursue higher education.
Australian veterans have a lot to give after service - they’re resourceful, with skills like leadership, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
Unfortunately many civilian businesses don’t have a thorough understanding of the expertise of Australian veterans, or how best to support them.
The Albanese Government is investing $2.45 million to improve access to education and employment opportunities for veterans.
This includes better recognising military experience through prior learning programs at Australian universities, while a recruitment advisory service will be stood up to better support veteran employers.
The program builds upon our expansion of the existing recognition of prior learning in Defence for veterans in vocational education.
The Australian Catholic University has been awarded an $800,000 Recruitment Advisory Service grant to support veteran and partner recruitment and retention by providing high quality, evidence-based resources and advice to employers.
Five Recognition of Prior Learning grants will go to universities to deliver or enhance recognition of prior learning frameworks to better reflect the skills and knowledge veterans gain during their service, with a total of $692,000 awarded to the universities for round one.
Applications for the next round of the Recognition of Prior Learning grants open in 2024.
These programs form part of the Albanese Government’s $24 million Veteran Employment program.
For full details, visit the Veteran Employment Program website.
Media contacts
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
| Organisation Name | Project name | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Flinders University (in consortium with University of the Sunshine Coast) |
Mapping Roles and Jobs - Recognising the skill sets of veterans to support more effective transition to employment | $150,000.00 |
| Australian Catholic University | Making All Learning Count Building Higher Education Micro-credentialing Framework for ADF Courses | $145,000.00 |
| University of Canberra | Connected-University of Canberra Veterans Tertiary Support Program | $147,000.00 |
| University of NSW | Veteran Pathways into Professional Education (VPIPE) Scheme | $150,000.00 |
| Charles Darwin University | CDU Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning Program | $100,000.00 |
| Organisation Name | Project description | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Catholic University | ACU will work collaboratively with employers, veteran groups, and HR specialists to define best policy and practice in the recruitment, retention, and support of veteran and Defence partners in the Australian workplace. | $800,000 |
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608