Transitioning from Defence
Transitioning with OPEC College
Transitioning from a Defence role and looking to get started in a new career? At OPEC College, our goal is to make your transition both simple and successful.
We recognise that your former career provides you with a valuable and sought-after set of skills. The training and experience you have acquired in the Army, Navy or Air Force does really stack up over time. We also understand that your skillset is in demand by a variety of employers across industry, who are eager to use your specialist capabilities and training in their workplace.
OPEC College can help to translate your experience by formally converting it into a nationally recognised qualification, opening new career pathways and helping you to get started in a new or related vocation.
This process, known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), enables you to trade-up your experience into formal qualifications, ensuring you meet minimum recruitment requirements and can hit the ground running in a new role. RPL is a clever short cut that saves you learning about something you already know and provides a springboard to fulfil the requirements of a post Defence career.
Our dedicated team of trainers and assessors are available to guide you through the RPL process, and offer a comprehensive assessment procedure, as well as teaching excellence should you need additional training to achieve your qualification.
Ask us today how our RPL program can help you in your transition.
Three Easy Steps
Transitioning from a Defence role? Streamline your transition and determine your eligibility for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by following these three simple steps:
Step 1
Obtain the following documents; ‘Record of Service Long’ (also known as PMKeys). Seek a copy of your personnel file, your two most recent performance management reports, as well as copies of any Special or Supplemental PARS that demonstrate exceptional operational performance. Obtain a copy of any Records of Attainment (ROA) and/or Course Reports
Step 2
Submit your documentation to us for assessment and relax! We will consider and evaluate skills acquired throughout your career and will respond within two business days.
Step 3
Following a thorough assessment of your skills, we will respond with an indication of your eligibility for RPL and / or study against nominated OPEC College courses.
If you have already left Defence, these documents will be available through your service Central Records Office.
Career Transition Assistance Scheme (CTAS)
The Career Transition Assistance Scheme (CTAS) is run by the Australian Department of Defence to support Defence personnel as they prepare for a post–Defence career. The program offers a variety of initiatives including:
- Job Search Preparation Workshop - a two-day workshop which covers all aspects of applying for a job, as well as up to two hours of individual coaching to prepare for job interviews and to reinforce workshop skills
- Approved Absence - leave for career transition activities including job interviews, appointments and on-the-job experience
- Career Transition Training - access to vocational education and training to support employment prospects
- Career Transition Management Coaching - to help identify your skills, career options, develop an employment plan, develop interview skills and learn effective job hunting
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) Coaching - helping to develop and maintain a CV
- Partner Employee Assistance Program (PEAP) - delivers funding to assist ADF partners find employment when they relocate
Defence staff must apply for the CTAS program, which is available twelve months prior to departure, and up to twelve months after your exit if you have not secured employment.
Governance around access to CTAS is determined by your service length and your reasons for departure. We recommend you invest time thinking closely about your post defence career before completing a CTAS application, including potentially seeking out career guidance services. We also recommend you review the CTAS guidelines in detail, here, before applying, and to approach the process with the understanding that approval is contingent upon alignment with your intended post defence career.
Once you have performed your due diligence on CTAS and determined your career goals, speak to your ADF Transition Officer about applying for CTAS.
Your Defence Transition Checklist
- Liaise with your Australian Defence Force (ADF) Transition Coach, who will help guide you through the process and prioritise administrative tasks
- Attend an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar
- Create a ForceNet account for you and your family
- Complete a Job Search Preparation workshop (JSP) about posting or promotion through ADF Transition
- Establish a professional network and join professional associations
- Create a LinkedIn profile
- Consider and approach key people to be listed as referees
- Record specific achievements, projects and skills you have utilised in your various roles within the ADF, and refine them into a curriculum vitae
- Begin developing connections in the civilian community through avenues such as sports, clubs/ associations, or other hobby/interest groups
- Actively consider undertaking additional training or skill development while still in the Defence Force
- Visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website and review their support services
- Contact the ADF Financial Services Consumer Centre to discuss financial decisions around superannuation, insurance and savings
- For any enquiries regarding the Defence Transition seminars, contact - [email protected]