A mentoring program that connects veteran community members with business leaders to help them achieve career success is now open, providing a pathway for Defence personnel and their partners to work towards their professional goals.
The Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program enables currently transitioning and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Reservists and Defence partners to connect with local industry leaders, develop critical skills and take the next steps in their career or business.
Members of the veteran community are paired with experienced South Australian business figures who share their knowledge and insights as mentors to unlock participants’ full potential and build mentees’ skills and confidence in the workplace.
The 2024 program, which is free, will run over eight months from April to November – an extension on the previous six-month program, with pairs working together on career planning, skills translation and business tips and networking.
Mentees are offered a choice of two program streams – Career and Skills Development or Business Development and Entrepreneurship – and matched with a mentor who best suits their individual needs.
Mentor applications are open to professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as small business, academia, and strategy and consulting, and have included former-serving ADF members wanting to give back to the veteran community.
Now in its third year, 35 members of the veteran community have completed the mentoring program with participants going on to secure meaningful employment, seek new opportunities within the workplace and bring business ideas to life.
Applications to nominate for positions as either a mentor or mentee are now open and will close on 15 March 2024.