Job readiness support

Translating Defence experience into civilian terms

Veterans often possess highly specialised skills, but these may not always be immediately understood by civilian employers. Using tools and guides to translate Defence experience into civilian terms can make your application stronger. Resources such as the Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier and employment support organisations offer valuable assistance in reframing military roles, technical expertise, and leadership experience in a way that aligns with civilian job descriptions. Here’s how to make the most of these resources:

• Use structured tools: The Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier is a great starting point to map your military skills to civilian competencies.
• Reframe technical language: Replace Defence-specific terms with industry-standard civilian terminology. For example, instead of "platoon leader," use "team manager." See our Australian Defence Terminology vs Civilian Terminology page for more examples.
• Focus on soft skills: Highlight qualities such as leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability—these are universally valued.
• Seek professional help: Many Veteran employment programs offer workshops or one-on-one coaching to help translate your experience effectively.
• Review examples: Look at sample resumes or case studies from other veterans to see how they’ve successfully transitioned their military experience into civilian contexts.

Building your skills and expanding your knowledge can help you find your next role in the civilian workforce and advance your career. You can build your skills and knowledge through:

• vocational education and training (VET)
• microcredentials courses (for example, a cybersecurity fundamentals course for IT professionals)
• tertiary education
• online learning
• on-the-job training
• volunteering

For more information, visit the DVA Veteran Employment Program website.

Skills Tasmania

Skills Tasmania develops and manages the Tasmanian training and workforce development system in partnership with industry, the vocational education and training sector, and the wider community.

Their goal is to ensure all Tasmanians have access to vocational education and training (VET) that leads to jobs, opportunities and economic growth that all Tasmanians can find their own exciting future and opportunity through VET.

VET provides hundreds of courses for you to choose from to give you the skills and knowledge that employers want.

VET includes courses across a range of industries, including:

• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Certificate I, II, III, and IV
• Diplomas
• Advanced Diplomas
• Graduate Certificates / Diplomas

Find VET courses and training providers

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

What is it?

The skills, knowledge, and experience gained through the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can be formally recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process ensures that competencies and qualifications align with nationally legislated standards, regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Australian Qualifications Framework.

These qualifications are widely applicable across various industry sectors, helping ADF members transition into the civilian workforce by having their expertise acknowledged through nationally recognised qualifications.

Who does it?

ADF Transition and Civil Recognition offers transitioning ADF members the opportunity to have their skills formally recognised through RPL and accredited where applicable.

If you're leaving the ADF, you can get recognition for the skills and training you’ve completed. This includes microcredentials for certain ADF courses and a program that links unaccredited ADF training to university programs, allowing you to receive credit towards a degree. Best of all, the Defence Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offers this service for free to ADF members who are transitioning to civilian life. For more details, visit the ADF Transition and Civil Recognition Project website.

The College for Law Education and Training (CLET) is another service that offers free recognition of prior learning (RPL) for former and current military personnel to help with transition from service.

RPL is also available through other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs); however, these may charge a fee. Additionally, if you plan to pursue further education, RPL may apply to specific courses or entry programs offered by universities and TAFEs. Your chosen training organisation or university can provide guidance on available RPL options and the application process.

Higher education and short courses

The Tasmanian State Service (TSS) values the leadership, resilience, and teamwork Veterans bring from their military service. Your unique skills and experiences are highly regarded and align with the responsibilities of roles across the State Service.

Preparing a strong job application is an important step toward securing your next role. Focus on the skills gained through your defence experience, volunteering and community involvement, for example you can use the DVA Core Skills Identifier.

This tool helps Veterans identify transferable skills gained during their service. Visit the Veteran Employment Program Core Skills Identifier to gain insights into how your skills align with civilian roles.

For more information on how to prepare your resume and application, please visit the Applying for a job page.

Your experience as a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has equipped you with skills, discipline, and values that are highly sought after in the civilian workforce.

If you are invited to interview for a position, you will usually be provided with the names and positions of the people who will interview you, the interview’s format and expected duration, and a date and time.

Interviews are a two-way process. They are an opportunity for the selection panel members to meet you and hear about your skills and experience and an opportunity for you to find out more about the role, ask questions and decide if you want to work for the agency and the team.

During an interview, the panel will normally explain the interview process, recap the role and then ask you a series of questions relevant to the job. You will be asked to provide examples of your previous experience that demonstrate your ability to meet the selection criteria for the role.

Sometimes an interview may also include an assessment task that will assess the skills required for the role.

For more information about the interview process please visit the Applying for a job page.

As a partner of a current or former Defence member, you’ve likely supported their career and commitments to service. However, this may have meant that your own career ambitions have taken a back seat. We understand the unique challenges that come with this and are here to help you take the next step towards your own fulfilling career.

The Tasmanian State Service (TSS) is proud to support partners of current and former Defence personnel in their search for meaningful employment. We recognise the incredible skills, resilience, and experience that you bring to the workforce, and we are committed to providing opportunities that will allow you to thrive in your own career.

Career resources for Defence partners

The Australian Government's Veteran Employment Program and the RSL Employment Program are dedicated to helping partners of current and former Defence personnel find meaningful and rewarding employment. Both programs offer tailored support to guide you through your career journey, with assistance available through free online resources or over the phone.

For more details, visit our Employment programs page and explore the support available to help you succeed in your career transition.

How We’re Supporting Defence Partners

As part of our Veterans' Employment Strategy 2023-2027 we are committed to helping the partners of Defence members transition into the civilian workforce.

We work closely with our Veterans’ Reference Group, Veterans’ organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure our initiatives are effective and impactful for Defence partners.

Transition support for partners and families

If your partner is transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), there are numerous resources available to help you navigate this journey. ADF members are encouraged to involve a family member or trusted support person to take advantage of the various transition services and assistance, including:

• The ADF Member and Family Transition Guide – explaining the transition process, administrative requirements, employment assistance services and other support available.
• ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars – ADF families are encouraged to attend with ADF members to access seminars across Australia (in person and virtual) at any time in their Defence career
• The Partner Employment Assistance Program provides support and some funding for eligible ADF partners for initiatives aimed at improving employability
• The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has a range of services and support, including access to Veteran Service Officers. Learn how to access these through the transition support webpage.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're ready to explore new opportunities with the TSS, we are here to help you with the transition. Browse the Tasmanian Government Jobs website for current vacancies, or get in touch with us for support with your job search.

Whether you’re seeking a fulfilling career in the public service or looking to develop new skills and experience, the TSS is an ideal place to grow your career while maintaining a strong work-life balance.