2026 nominee - Champion of Veteran Employment
Adecco is proud to champion veteran, ADF spouse and partner employment through a long-term commitment that extends beyond recruitment and into advocacy, inclusion, career development and community connection.
As the Australian Defence Force's recruitment partner, Adecco plays a critical role in building the workforce that underpins Australia's defence capability. Through a unique public-private partnership with the Department of Defence and the ADF Careers recruitment system, Adecco combines global recruitment expertise with Defence knowledge to attract, engage and recruit talented Australians to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.
At the heart of this partnership is a clear mission: ‘Recruit the right people, in the right numbers, at the right time to support Defence capability’. Recruitment is not simply a support function. It is a critical enabler of the ADF's ability to protect Australia's national interests and deliver on its operational responsibilities. Ensuring Defence has access to a capable and sustainable workforce is fundamental to Australia's national security.
Adecco operates within an environment, where employees work alongside serving ADF members every day. This unique environment provides a deep understanding of military culture, service life and the experiences of veterans and Defence families. It also provides valuable insight into challenges associated with Defence service, including transition to civilian employment, relocations and career disruption for spouses and partners.
Their commitment is underpinned by a dedicated Veterans and ADF Spouse and Partners Employment Strategy focused on increasing workforce participation, fostering inclusion, supporting career development and creating future career pathways. Through this strategy, they established workforce participation targets of 5% for veterans and 3% for spouses and partners, exceeding both targets with current representation of 7% veterans and 5% spouses and partners, equating to 44 veterans and 34 spouses and partners employed across their workforce.
As Defence works towards growing its workforce by 18,500 personnel by 2039-40, Adecco plays a vital role in building talent pipelines and delivering contemporary recruitment solutions. Through a focus on candidate experience, accessibility and workforce readiness, more Australians are given the opportunity to pursue a career in Defence.
The success of this partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to achieving outcomes together. Adecco's world-leading recruitment capability, combined with Defence's strategic workforce requirements, creates a collaborative model that delivers value for both organisations. Together, they are "Stronger Together"—working as one integrated team to ensure the ADF has the workforce required to meet current and future capability needs.
A key pillar of their approach is partnering with organisations that support the veteran community. Through their partnership with RSL Queensland, they help connect veterans and Defence family members with employment opportunities supporting their transition into civilian careers. RSL Queensland provides career coaching, job readiness support, resume development and employment connections through dedicated consultants. To strengthen this partnership, Adecco’s Talent Acquisition team provides weekly vacancy updates and information on commonly recruited roles, enabling RSL Queensland to actively promote opportunities through its networks. This collaboration has directly contributed to the employment of four veterans within Adecco’s workforce.
Through measurable outcomes, targeted employment initiatives and community partnerships, Adecco continues to create rewarding career opportunities for veterans, spouses and partners while fostering a workplace where Defence-connected employees are recognised, supported and valued.