Soldier On encourages veteran and family employment

The Soldier On Pledge was launched in September at Soldier On’s Robert Poate Centre in Canberra. AeroPM, the winners of the 2020 Outstanding Veterans’ Employer of Year Award, was announced as the first Platinum Pledge Partner for Soldier On.

Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of services to enable veterans and their families to thrive. Soldier On’s holistic support services include a range of mental health and wellbeing programs, employment support, and education programs, as well as participation and social connection activities centred around the needs of the Australian veteran community. 

Soldier On Chief Executive Officer Ivan Slavich believes that more companies need to come on board and recognise the skills acquired by those who have served in the Australian Defence Force. 

‘Many people in Australia are facing employment challenges due to COVID-19, and Soldier On is doing its best to support veterans and their families at this time by providing holistic support services,’ he said. 

‘Forming strong partnerships with Pledge organisations is another way for us to support the veteran community, as it will forge pathways that will enable more veterans and their families to secure long-term meaningful employment.’

Pledge organisations work alongside the Soldier On Pathways Program, which provides free employment and education support to veterans and their families. The Pledge is the start of new partnerships between Soldier On and veteran-supportive companies, which enables more veterans and their families to secure their future careers. 

Solider On is supported by funding from the Australian Government, through grant funding from the Enhanced Employment Support for Veterans program. With funding from the program, Soldier On is expanding their services more widely across Australia.  

The Pathways Program provides employment and education support for more than 3000 veterans and their families across Australia, guiding veterans and their families through the complexities and emotional challenges of transitioning to civilian careers. 

Fifty organisations have committed to the new Soldier On Pledge since the launch in September. 

‘I was encouraged when attending the launch to see so many organisations supporting veteran employment, and look forward to watching the Solider On program continue to expand,’ said Alison Hale, Assistant Secretary DVA.   

To find out more, visit the Pledge page of the Soldier On website. 

From left: Ivan Slavich (CEO of Soldier On), Adam Frizell (AeroPM), Emily Frizell (AeroPM), Prudence Slaughter (Pathways Program Director).