VetPaths is a development program for veterans who are recently employed in the Australian Public Service. It is designed to help veterans continue serving Australia through APS employment and to support their transition into a public service career.
VetPaths does not replace the normal APS recruitment process. Veterans still need to apply for APS vacancies and be assessed on merit. If you secure a role with a participating agency and meet the eligibility requirements, VetPaths may provide additional support once you have started in the APS.
What VetPaths offers
VetPaths provides structured support, with a focus on development, connection and wellbeing. This may include APS-focused learning and development, career mentoring, peer connection, wellbeing workshops and practical support to understand how government and the APS workplace operate.
The pathway can help you build confidence in a new workplace, understand APS expectations, grow your professional network and plan your career progression after Defence.
Who can participate
To be eligible for VetPaths, you must have served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force and have joined the APS through a participating agency. Applications from veterans with different service backgrounds, including reservists, are welcomed.
Current participating agencies include the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Services Australia and the Department of Defence.
How to find VetPaths opportunities
Participating agencies advertise their own vacancies. You can search for VetPaths-related opportunities through APSjobs, participating agency careers pages and the APS VetPaths information page.
When you find a role that interests you, read the vacancy information carefully and follow the agency’s application process. Some agencies may ask you to indicate in your application that you would like to be considered for VetPaths.
Keep learning about the APS
If you want to learn more about how the public service works, there are free or publicly available resources that can help you understand APS capability, public administration and common government functions.
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The Australian Public Service Commission’s APS Academy provides learning and development resources to build APS Craft capability, including working in government, integrity, engagement and partnership, implementation and services, strategy, policy and evaluation, and leadership and management.
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The Australian Public Service Commission also publishes learning and development strategies, guidance and resources for people interested in how capability is built across the APS. Find out more:
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The Department of Finance provides free online learning and guidance on managing Commonwealth resources, including short modules on the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act and responsible use of public resources.
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The Department of Finance, with the APS Academy, also offers Commonwealth procurement and contract management training for eligible Commonwealth officials. This may be useful if you are interested in procurement, contracting, program delivery or corporate roles in the APS.
Before you apply
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Check the role’s classification, location, employment type and eligibility requirements.
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Confirm whether the agency is participating in VetPaths.
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Explain your Defence experience in plain language and tailor your application to the role.
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Contact the listed contact officer if you have questions about the role or process.
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Defence service does not guarantee selection. You still need to show you are suitable for the role through a merit-based process.