2026 nominee - Champion of Veteran Employment
For over a decade, Soldier On has championed veteran employment by empowering veterans and partners, enabling employers and strengthening Australia's veteran employment ecosystem. Recognising that employment extends beyond securing a job, Soldier On creates pathways to sustainable careers by supporting individuals, equipping employers to recognise military capability and fostering employment practices that enable veterans and partners to thrive after transition from Defence.
At the centre of this commitment is Soldier On's Career & Education Program, launched in 2026 to provide an integrated, participant-centred approach to career development. Bringing together personalised career guidance, education and training opportunities, mentoring, career readiness support, the Career & Education Hub and the Jobs & Opportunities Board, the program equips veterans and partners with knowledge, confidence and practical tools to build successful civilian careers.
A significant initiative introduced in 2026 was the expansion of Soldier On's award-winning Mentoring Program to include Micro-Mentoring, providing veterans and partners with timely, targeted career advice from experienced mentors. Since launching in April 2026, the program has attracted 51 mentors and 21 mentees, expanding access to professional networks, industry knowledge and career guidance while complementing the organisation's established long-form mentoring program.
Soldier On's commitment extends beyond supporting individuals. Through partnerships with government, employers, education providers and industry, the organisation develops practical resources, employer networks and education pathways that strengthen veteran-inclusive recruitment, career development and retention practices across Australia.
The result is broader than employment outcomes alone. Veterans and partners are better equipped to build sustainable civilian careers, employers are better positioned to recognise and benefit from military capability and Australia's veteran employment ecosystem is stronger and more connected. By combining innovation, collaboration and practical action, Soldier On has established itself as a trusted national champion of veteran employment, creating lasting benefits for veterans, partners, employers and the wider Australian community.
About Solider On
Soldier On is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting veterans and their families to thrive beyond military service. Since 2012, it has worked alongside current and former Australian Defence Force members, and their families, to build healthy, connected and productive civilian lives through integrated services spanning health and wellbeing, employment, learning and participation.
Employment is central to Soldier On's mission. Work supporting veterans and their families with sustainable work strengthens identity, confidence, financial security, connection and long-term wellbeing. Soldier On also collaborate with employers, government, education providers and industry to strengthen employment opportunities for veterans and partners across Australia. Their employment programs, strategic partnerships, education initiatives and employer engagement promote greater understanding of the transferable capabilities developed through Defence service while encouraging more veteran-inclusive employment practices.
Over more than a decade, Soldier On has combined practical employment support with advocacy, partnership and innovation to expand opportunities for veterans and partners. Their work continues to strive for a shared national goal: enabling veterans and their families to build successful lives and careers beyond service, while helping Australian workplaces to benefit from the diverse skills, capabilities and experience of the veteran community.