Defence team supports Peter’s transition to success

Peter’s professional journey from military service in the Navy to civilian employment will soon be complete, as he hands over his work as a reservist at HMAS Cairns, to permanently settle into a role with maritime and aerospace giant BAE Systems at Osborne Shipyards.  

Working with TAFE Queensland’s Defence Solutions team, Peter initially engaged in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training to transition his skills and begin working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and subsequently open new doors in South Australia.

“I first met the Defence Solutions team when I was initially looking to transition out of the Navy with RPL but that wasn’t quite the right time for me to leave the Navy completely, however I kept in touch with the team throughout my back and forth, and when the time was right, given their connections – they assisted me in transitioning from military to civilian life,” Peter said. 

Specifically, the team leveraged its network and contacts to introduce Peter to maritime and aerospace giant BAE Systems at Osborne Shipyards – a hub for naval shipbuilding, and where he’s currently exploring opportunities for employment.

TAFE Queensland provides a range of services to help support members to re-enter the workforce after exiting the Australian Defence Force.  

There are a range of funding options that ex-ADF members may be eligible for that can reduce the costs of their studies. As former members of the ADF, the Defence Solutions team (known as Defence Solutions Officers) understand the challenges and have direct connections to explore options for training and employment.  

This program will enhance the support that is currently available to veterans by matching their skills with more educational opportunities, helping to lead them to another rewarding career.

The team at TAFE Queensland are experienced military veterans with extensive industry contacts who are skilled to support veterans to re-enter the workforce after exiting the Australian Defence Force.

“Through phone calls and emails I was given a link to employees within BAE. The company is a great match for me, and the team supported me, and made the process and move, quite simple,” Pete shared.

“I’d recommend that anyone looking to explore options outside of Defence, to get in touch with the TAFE Queensland DSOs – they’re well connected, and truly do ‘get it’.”

“Your experience, any apprehension, your strengths, and the significance of the change – they’ve been through it so can totally empathise with the milestone and its challenges, and can put you in touch with the right people, and any funding for which you might be eligible,” Peter advised.