Defence Trade Program
Inclusive pathways to trade careers for veterans, ex-service personnel, and their families
The Defence Trade Program extends its support to selected Veterans, Ex-Service personnel, and their families, offering them a pathway to pursue Trade careers through a Group Training Adult Apprenticeship. This program harnesses the vast experience and network capacity of a nationwide alliance of GTOs, with a particular emphasis on locations that facilitate post-service settlement for families.
Recognising the immeasurable service and sacrifice that Defence personnel and their families make for the nation, East Coast Apprenticeships has rallied like-minded GTOs to form a united front, pooling expertise and resources in a prioritised effort to support Veterans, Ex-Service personnel and families.
Individual Veterans and Ex-Service personnel can register for the Program or other agencies can nominate candidates. The Programs Team will review registrations and match the candidate to an appropriate GTO; who will then arrange to meet the candidate, create an agreed Individual Transition Plan and work with them to identify a Host Employer and an offer of an Adult Apprenticeship.
The Individual Transition Plan may encompass various preliminary steps, such as formalising and recognising prior skills and experience through Recognising Prior Learning (RPL). It may also involve participation in pre-vocational Trade courses or beneficial Work Experience before embarking on the apprenticeship journey.
The supporting GTO will work with participants to ensure they receive blended and flexible training to optimise their time at selected local quality TAFE Institutes.
The Defence Trade Program taps into a vast pool of experience and expansive networks of host employers through the Group Training alliance. Partnering organisations, including our esteemed Training Providers, offer enhanced opportunities for personnel transitioning out of service to secure a rewarding Trade career.
Host Employers play a pivotal role in the Program’s success, and we encourage them to consider taking on Apprentices for the entire duration of their Apprenticeships. In cases where Host Employers may experience work shortages, GTOs are ready to facilitate the rotation of Apprentices, ensuring continuous training and support.
We are thrilled to announce that registrations are now open for both Host Employers and Veterans, as we embark on this joint effort to “Help a Hero” and their families thrive in their civilian careers.