Continuing to Serve: VetPaths – the APS Veteran Employment Pathway

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Find out how the Veteran Employment Pathway (VetPaths) can help you establish a career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

On this page

  1. What is VetPaths
  2. How long does VetPaths take
  3. How do I apply
  4. How to contact us
  5. What have participants said
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What is VetPaths

We are currently working with the Department of Defence and the APS Academy to trial a small pilot program. Our aim is to support veterans in gaining ongoing employment in the APS. We also help with the transition through an induction and development program.

As a veteran, you can offer a broad range of valuable skills and experience. Your proven leadership and problem-solving skills easily transfer to APS employment.

We match participants taking part in the pilot with a suitable role at DVA, Defence and other agencies that would benefit from their military experience. We designed the program to ensure success in a career in the APS.

To make the transition into APS culture smoother, you will take part in:

  • formal learning and development
  • a mentor and buddy program
  • building a peer network
  • family inclusion activities.

Benefits of ongoing APS employment include:

  • advancement opportunities
  • stability and security
  • a variety of leave options, including reservist leave and continuation of long service leave that you accrued during service.
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How long does VetPaths take

The pathway consists of 10 months of targeted learning and development.

When participants have completed VetPaths, they will continue in their roles as ongoing APS employees.

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How do I apply

The pilot will finish in December 2022.

We will review the VetPaths pilot before we advertise for the next intake. This will make sure that we can offer pathway participants the appropriate development and supports.

When this process is complete, we will update this webpage with new information on how to apply for the next round.

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How to contact us

You can email us at employmentpathways [at] dva.gov.au so we can include you in future communications. You can also email us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

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What have participants said

Tina, support officer, compensation claims

There are 2 images. First image is a women wearing ADF combat uniform holding a baby standing in front of a tree. Second image is a women wearing business attire sitting at a desk with computers.

 

Working at the department is very different from my time in the ADF but it allows me to continue to support the veteran community.

Tina served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for just under 6 years before she decided to transition into the APS. During her service, she completed a Bachelor of Business and majored in management.

When Tina discharged, she joined the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as part of VetPaths and is currently working in a client-facing role within the Client Benefits Division.

Tina joined DVA in January 2022 and has been able to use the transferable skills she gained in the RAAF. The opportunity to work at DVA has provided Tina with a fulfilling post-service career. She is able to offer support to serving members, veterans and families.

Tony, cyber security officer

There are 4 images. First image is a middle aged man wearing glasses and business shirt. Second image is a man wearing ADF uniform standing in the street. Third image is a man wearing ADF uniform smiling. Fourth image is a young man wearing ADF uniform standing outside.

 

My experience at DVA has been one of challenge and growth. It’s allowed me to continue to work for a meaningful cause and help other veterans.

Tony served full-time in all 3 arms of the ADF for more than 25 years. He also did about an extra 10 years in the reserve.

Tony’s most recent service before joining the APS was with the Royal Australian Navy. He commenced in the RAN as a communications system information specialist before transferring to become a Naval Police Coxswain until he was medically discharged in 2019.

After struggling to find employment following transition, especially as an older person, Tony applied to DVA’s VetPaths in late 2021. He was successful in gaining an initial position as a data analyst and then later as a cyber security officer in his home town of Brisbane.

He hopes to encourage other men and women transitioning out of the service to be confident and apply for VetPaths. He believes the qualities and values shared by ADF members are valuable and can help them stand out as candidates.

Kallum, client escalation and liaison officer

There are 3 images. First image is a young man wearing business attire and is standing in an office. Second image is a young man in ADF dress uniform wearing glasses and is smiling. Third image is a young man wearing ADF combat uniform on a navy ship looking out to another navy ship.

 

The Veteran Employment Pathway allowed me to begin an APS career that previously felt out of reach and to continue to serve the Defence community out of uniform.

Kallum served in the RAN as a Maritime Warfare Officer and discharged from the ADF in late 2021.

After discharge, Kallum tried his hand at roles in the private sector, but then came to DVA looking for an opportunity to remain engaged in the military community. Kallum started at DVA as an initial liability delegate and is now working as a client escalations and liaison officer.

In his role, Kallum has greatly valued the communication and relationship-building skills he gained at Defence. He believes that his knowledge of the veteran experience has allowed him to make the best possible decisions for veterans seeking support from DVA.

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