Campbelltown Council is embarking on a new program to encourage veterans to consider transferring their skills, knowledge and abilities to a career in local government.
Veterans can now access a one-stop-shop of information on council’s website to find out how their skills can be applied to roles in local government and to help them understand the types of jobs that match their transferrable skill sets.
“For many veterans, applying for a job for the first time following their Defence career can be difficult and they can often be the first to undervalue the skills they have and how they apply in the civilian workforce,” says mayor George Brticevic.
“This program is about helping veterans understand how they can serve the community in a different way through a role in local government,” he said.
“Campbelltown is a city that is steeped in a rich history of people who have served so I’m pleased that we’re able to honour that legacy by putting in place a program to help veterans find their next career, whether that is with us or elsewhere,” he said.
Council’s human resources managers will also undertake training to educate them in how the skills of different ranks and services can apply within the council organisation and to understand how military terminology can apply to civilian job descriptions.
Human resources staff will also regularly connect and network with other businesses that operate veteran employment programs.
NSW Veterans employment program manager Craig Delaney said the program could easily be used as a blueprint for other councils to help veterans transition to employment outside the military.
“The structure of local government is very similar to that of a brigade and I don’t think many veterans realise that it can be an easy transition to a local council,” Mr Delaney said.
“Every job in Defence can be replicated in a local council, whether that’s in the office or as part of the outdoor staff,” he said.
“Many veterans come out of Defence having never had to apply for a job. This program acknowledges the differences in terminology and language between Defence and the civilian sector and helps bridge that gap between hirers and veterans looking for work.”
