Landmark partnership set to support more veterans’ transition into successful civilian careers

TAFE Queensland, Macmahon and Ironside Resources are joining forces in a landmark partnership set to help skilled Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans’ transition into successful civilian careers in the mining sector in Queensland and Western Australia.

Specialist veteran recruitment agency, Ironside Resources, will identify veterans with existing Heavy Commercial Vehicle trade qualifications for the initiative. TAFE Queensland will then work closely with Macmahon, a diversified Australian mining contractor, to upskill the participants in Mobile Plant Technician skills so they are ready to take on a variety of mining employment opportunities across Queensland and Western Australia.

Chief Operational Officer at Ironside Resources Rowena Ferrarotto said the partnership was an example of the meaningful employment outcomes the business has been providing ex-ADF members and their families for more than a decade.

“Ironside Resources is a specialist recruitment company for veterans and their families. We are well known in Defence circles for the hundreds of new career opportunities that we've carved out for veterans into the mining industry over the years, and in particular for tradespeople such as diesel mechanics,” Mrs Ferrarotto said.

“Whilst the ADF provides a high level of training and transferable skills for diesel mechanics, there is a gap between their qualifications and what they need to succeed in the mining industry. This partnership is aimed to bridge this gap and offer meaningful employment and training.”

“We advocate for investing in veterans’ knowledge and qualifications from the very start of their new career, to set them up for success, which is why we've put our name behind this trade upgrade program in partnership with Macmahon and TAFE Queensland.”

“The team at TAFE Queensland have the Defence knowledge, the resources available, and the understanding to help these veterans; the team at Macmahon have the desire to capture their capability and employ and train them on the ground; Ironside Resources has the extensive network and built trust within the ADF community to deliver relevant candidates to the program. Together, we're bridging the gap,” she said.

This partnership is a product of the award-winning TAFE Queensland Defence Solutions team, which provides a range of services to help support former and transitioning ADF members into successful and meaningful civilian careers. Candidates may benefit from funding from the Queensland Government, which has allocated funds to the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program delivered by the TAFE Queensland Defence Solutions team.

The Defence Solutions team can offer support, lived experience, and guidance on industry trends that align with appropriate and meaningful training and employment opportunities. The team also helps ex-ADF members utilise the Queensland Government’s Defence to Civilian Success Training Program funding which allows ex-ADF members to receive free or subsidised training to kick-start a successful civilian career.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said veterans are thriving in the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program, progressing through their transition to study and into employment.

“Moving back to civilian life can present challenges for veterans and their families, and TAFE Queensland is extremely proud to be able to provide professional guidance and educational pathways as these veterans take the next step in their careers,” Mrs Campbell said.

“Veterans bring a wealth of skills and experience and the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program will help them capitalise on their abilities and transfer their skills into employment opportunities which build lifelong careers.”

“This new partnership with Ironside Resources and Macmahon is a key example of TAFE Queensland’s ambition to provide ex-ADF members training and employment opportunities that bring them a meaningful civilian career. Ironside Resources and Macmahon are key partners who we are proud to work with to offer this opportunity to Queensland veterans,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Macmahon Mick Finnegan said the business was excited to offer this program to ex-ADF members in partnership with Ironside Resources and TAFE Queensland, with each party working together to deliver highly skilled employees for Macmahon.

“This program is a win-win situation for both the veterans and Macmahon. By providing training and support, we can help these highly skilled individuals transition into the civilian workforce and fill critical roles in our industry,” Mr Finnegan said.

“With their extensive experience and dedication, these veterans have the potential to become valuable assets to our team. We believe in investing in our workforce and creating opportunities for all individuals, we look forward to welcoming these veterans into our company and watching them thrive in their new roles,” he said.

TAFE Queensland, Ironside Resources, and Macmahon are excited to join forces to provide this opportunity to veterans and contribute to successful and meaningful civilian careers for ex-ADF members. Veterans interested in this opportunity should contact Ironside Resources to find out more.