Exail.comA 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.

Based on participants’ feedback, this year’s program has been expanded to feature monthly online workshops with expert guest speakers and program alumni to provide mentees even more support.

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.

The program is part of a $2.1 million state budget commitment to improve outcomes for veterans and their families, with a host of initiatives being rolled out.

South Australian-based Strategy and Business Coach Christine Molitor, from Be Sustained, will facilitate the program, using her extensive consulting experience to guide participants on what they want to achieve.

Applications to nominate for positions as either a mentor or mentee are now open and will close on 15 March 2024.

Geoff Brock, minister for Veterans Affairs, said, “This innovative program is a valuable stepping-stone for veterans wanting to gain new skills and experience as they transition into the workforce.  The program also supports families of Defence members by enabling partners to get involved and demonstrate their own unique capabilities gained through Defence life.  The connections made and networks built through the program will help those involved in the next stage of their professional careers.  Having direct access to leading industry figures and learning from business mentors will go a long way in improving long-term employment outcomes for participants.

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