Soldier On’s Mentor Program has been recognised as Training and Mentorship Program of the Year at the 2021 Australian Defence Industry Awards.
The Australian Defence Industry Awards recognises excellence from defence professionals, organisations and businesses across the country and awards them a prestigious accolade for their achievements over the past year.
The Training and Mentorship Program of the Year award recognises the defence business that has most effectively capitalised on market opportunities and driven demonstrable growth through developing and delivering the most effective training and mentorship program for new industry participants or those defence professionals transitioning into new roles.
Soldier On’s Veteran Mentor Program sees current and ex serving ADF members and their families matched with a trained, peer industry mentor, to build capacity and amplify their career development opportunities.
Mentors can support mentees alongside Soldier On Pathways Officers to provide holistic and comprehensive transition support for their mentee and help in providing a platform for success.
Hunter Veteran and Soldier On Ambassador, Chris Harris said the program offered him the opportunity to support his fellow veterans.
“In 2018 I was fortunate enough to receive Soldier On support to gain employment within the Hunter Region,” Chris said.
“Soldier On’s Pathways Program was an invaluable resource for me during my transition from the Australian Defence Force, and it has been a great honour to return the program as a Mentor to my fellow veterans.
“The program offers a safe environment for Mentors and Mentees to share experiences, advice, and guidance. Through my involvement, I have been able to offer insights from my own experiences to provide meaningful and relatable support to others in their transition to civilian life.”
Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the organisation is thrilled to be recognised as part of the awards alongside esteemed members of the Defence community.
“Recognition in these awards acknowledges the achievements of all veterans working to transition to civilian life and the power of collaboration to provide effective training and mentorship,” Ivan said.
“Mentoring can have a significant impact on the transition experience, offering guidance and encouragement while supporting a sense of mateship and comradery.
“At Soldier On, our Mentoring Program has seen fantastic success for both our mentees and mentors alike. We are thrilled to continue this program into the future and enable more veterans and their family members to thrive,” he concluded.
Soldier On was also recognised as a finalist in the Australian Defence Industry Awards in the category of Veteran Support Program of the Year. The Veteran Support Program of the Year award recognises the veteran support program, association or organisation that has most effectively supported ADF veterans transitioning out of service and/or into new career opportunities post-service. Soldier On has previously been awarded Veteran Support Program of the Year in 2019, and again in 2020.
IMAGE | Hunter Veteran and Soldier On Ambassador, Chris Harris.
