The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has announced that free TAFE training and apprenticeships are to be available to Australian Defence Force veterans moving into civilian careers.
Announcing the initiative, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program would support up to 300 Queensland veterans to obtain skills in a number of careers.
Ms Palaszczuk said the Program would be promoted to veterans as well as a mentorship program to support them with employment in the Queensland Public Service.
She said the Program would help open more doors in the next chapter of veterans’ lives when they decided to transition from the Australian Defence Force.
“Veterans bring a wealth of skills and experience and my Government, with the support of TAFE Queensland, will help them capitalise on their abilities when they leave the military,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer said the Program would provide a good training ground for veterans.
“The vocational education sector will support transitioning veterans into a new career by highlighting the many opportunities available at a time when they might not be aware of the current employment landscape,” Ms Farmer said.
“Training and apprenticeships through TAFE Queensland provide a wonderful foundation for people of different ages and skill-sets to move forward with their lives in rewarding careers,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of TAFE Queensland, Mary Campbell said veterans had thrived in the previous Transition to Civi Street Program, progressing through transition to study and into employment.
“The new Defence to Civilian Success Training Program will enable TAFE Queensland to further extend our support to more veterans and their families as they transition into new and exciting careers,” Mrs Campbell said.
