About the Ex-Defence Employment Program
Since 2018, we’ve helped more than 870 veterans secure meaningful employment. Let us help you find your next role.
Whether you’re currently transitioning or have been out of the Defence Force for a while, our highly trained team will work with you to support your search for civilian employment.
Our tailored program for ex-Defence members is free and available online or over the phone.
Don't know where to start?
How we can support you
- career counselling and development
- job hunting
- translating military skills for the civilian job market
- interpreting selection criteria and writing CVs, application letters and social media profiles
- connections to veteran-friendly employers
- interview coaching
Looking for employment support?
Why Bart recommends the RSL Employment Program
They've provided me with services that I didn't even realise I needed. It really helped me get started on the right career path and secure a role that I take great satisfaction in.
- Bart
, ex-Defence member
Are you job ready?
Get in touch with our Employment Support Team who can provide you with free support online or over the phone.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the RSL Employment program.
Am I eligible?
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Ex-Defence Employment Program, you must:
- be an Australian resident
- be either an ex-serving member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) not in regular employment OR a current ADF member with a confirmed discharge date no later than 4 months in the future
- have exhausted all Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP) entitlements
- not currently be eligible for, or require support from, the DVA Work Rehabilitation Program.
How much does the program cost?
How much does the program cost?
All the services and activities undertaken with our employment consultants are free of charge.
If there is a cost involved in upskilling or gaining qualifications, an additional assessment would be required to determine whether the RSL Employment Program could cover these costs.
I’m not discharging from Defence until next year. Can you still help me?
I’m not discharging from Defence until next year. Can you still help me?
If you have a confirmed discharge date that’s less than four months away, yes.
However, if you’re undertaking a Work Rehabilitation Program or are yet to start your
Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP) funding, you are not eligible for the RSL Employment Program.
How will my DVA entitlements be affected if I find a new job?
How will my DVA entitlements be affected if I find a new job?
If you have any concerns about how employment might impact any DVA entitlements received by you or your partner, we recommend you
directly.I’m currently employed but not earning enough to support myself and my family. Am I eligible for the Employment Program?
I’m currently employed but not earning enough to support myself and my family. Am I eligible for the Employment Program?
The goal of the program is to help you achieve suitable and sustainable employment. If you’re under-employed or seeking a change in career direction, we can assess your eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need to attend appointments in person?
Do I need to attend appointments in person?
What happens if I relocate?
What happens if I relocate?
Are there networking opportunities or information sessions I can attend?
Are there networking opportunities or information sessions I can attend?
