How Can I Help Veterans at Work?

Do you know what the Australian Government is doing to help veterans? In 2021 the Australian Government stressed the importance of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. The aim of these days is to remember those who served their country and to raise awareness about the adverse effects on veterans from the various war and peace periods, including Australian military service. So, how can I help veterans at work?

Veterans Training

The first step to helping a veteran in employment is to ensure they have all the relevant training and qualifications they need. Some veterans have specialised training in particular areas, such as psychology, physical therapy, computer skills and even foreign languages. If you can’t provide all this training on your own, consider getting a qualified mentor to help. Having someone to guide you through the process is very beneficial to those who are just starting out.

Qualifications for Veterans

Getting the relevant qualifications is only part of the process. You also need to demonstrate you have the interest and commitment to the job. A lot of veterans face psychological issues when returning from war and some don’t get along with their colleagues. For this reason, many employers conduct personality tests to assess whether you’ll be a good fit for the job. This may include a personal interview, where you’ll be asked to display your personality in a series of scenarios, often with similar assignments.

Veterans Workplace Support Groups

Once you’re on your way, you’ll find you won’t be alone among veterans. Many workplaces have a number of veteran support groups to help you feel confident in your new role. You can talk to other veterans about the experiences and challenges of working with others who have had similar experiences. It’s important to build camaraderie within your department so you know you have colleagues who will support you. This doesn’t have to take the form of cliques or ‘snipers’, but simply people who see you as a person with the same values as them.

Respect the Military Tradition

If you want to know how can I help veterans at work, then one of the first things you’ll notice is that there are fewer jobs for veterans in the traditional military jobs. As you might imagine, those jobs involved combat and involve a risk of injury. Veterans have unique concerns and unique skills that companies are likely to be unwilling to use. That’s why you’ll often find jobs in the non-military sectors that are much more likely to be open to veterans.

Make the Most of Things

In conclusion, this article has shown you how can I help veterans at work. The first step is to ensure you have support networks in place. Get out and meet other veterans. Look for jobs in the civilian world, where you’ll be able to utilise your skills and your expertise. Once you feel secure in your new position, get out and make the most of it!