Veterans’ employment success celebrated

AeroPM, a professional consulting service and veteran employer, is an advocate for the successful transition of veterans into the civilian workforce. They recognise the value of retaining veterans’ knowledge, passion and dedication to better serve the defence community.

Winners across 10 award categories were announced on 15 May via social media. A ceremony at Parliament House was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

The annual awards acknowledge organisations of all types and sizes that employ and support veterans and the spouses of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the award-winners are role models for employers considering the benefits of employing veterans and transitioning ADF personnel. The skills and values of the winners are high on both employer and employee wish lists: loyalty, respect, diligence, teamwork, professionalism and a duty of care.

‘All of the award-winners are a demonstration that employing veterans is beneficial for both veterans and businesses,’ Mr Chester said. 

In addition to celebrating employer excellence, the Awards also recognise the significant accomplishments of veterans in the workplace and those who have built on their ADF experience to start or grow a successful business.

Mr Chester said businesses that take on a former ADF member get more than an employee – they become part of a growing network of dedicated employers benefiting from providing challenging and rewarding employment opportunities to veterans.

‘Many of this year’s award-winners have been recognised by their employers for their leadership, strong customer service, support to colleagues and ability to deliver to tight deadlines. This has seen them rise quickly to positions of seniority in their organisations,’ he said.

‘We saw a record number of nominations for the awards this year. This is testament to Australian businesses and government recognising the value that veterans bring to the workforce.’

Mr Chester congratulated all of the finalists and winners of the 2020 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards, and thanked all the Australian private and public sector organisations leading the way and proving that employing a veteran is good for business.

For more, including a full list of winners and finalists visit the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program website.