2026 nominee - Champion of Veteran Employment
The Skills to Industry program is an accredited workforce development initiative delivered through a unique partnership between state and local government, the not-for-profit sector and private industry, including Aimpoint, MESHA, Veterans SA and the City of Playford.
Designed to support transitioning veterans, the program provides nationally recognised training, industry engagement and clear pathways into civilian employment. The inaugural cohort graduated job-ready, equipped with the skills and qualifications required for project management roles across industry, demonstrating the impact of cross-sector collaboration in addressing workforce capability and veteran transition.
Championing veteran employment has been advanced by creating practical pathways that connect military experience with the skills and opportunities sought by Australian industry. Through strategic collaboration across government, community organisations and the private sector, barriers to employment have been addressed by aligning training with workforce needs and engaging employers early in the transition process.
A strong focus has been placed on developing programs that provide veterans with recognised qualifications, exposure to industry and direct employment opportunities, rather than relying solely on traditional recruitment approaches. This collaborative model has enabled veterans to build confidence, translate their existing capabilities into civilian contexts and secure careers in sectors experiencing critical skills shortages.
These initiatives have also strengthened employer understanding of the value veterans bring to the workplace, fostering greater confidence in recruiting ex-service personnel and encouraging long-term partnerships that support ongoing employment outcomes.
By bringing together organisations with complementary expertise and shared objectives, this approach has delivered sustainable outcomes for veterans while contributing to a more skilled and resilient workforce.