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 support your transition with structured assessment and training pathways.
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 translate your military experience into nationally recognised qualifications through several pathways. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows your existing competencies to be assessed against qualification requirements. Structured study and blended RPL+study pathways are also available, depending on your experience and career goals.
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 structured assessment process that formally recognises the skills and competencies developed during your military career, helping you meet the requirements of your next career.
Our dedicated team of trainers and assessors will guide you through the assessment process and provide structured training where needed to support you in achieving your qualification.
Contact us today to discuss which pathway suits your experience and career goals.
Your Assessment Process
Transitioning from a Defence role? Follow these steps to begin your qualification journey:
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 for assessment. Our qualified assessors will evaluate the skills and competencies demonstrated throughout your career and respond with an assessment outcome.
Step 3
Following assessment, we will advise you on your pathway options. This may include full RPL, partial RPL with gap training, or a structured study pathway, depending on the evidence provided and the requirements of the training product.
Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP)
The Defence Force Transition Program (DFTP) was formerly called the Career Transition Assistance Scheme (CTAS) and is run by the Australian Department of Defence to support Defence personnel as they prepare for a post–Defence career.
The DFTP is available to all ADF members including Reservists. You can access certain programs at any time in your career, with further programs becoming available once you commence transition. Most programs can continue to be accessed for up to 12 months after your transition, with some up to 24 months.
The program offers a variety of initiatives including:
- Job Search Preparation (JSP) Workshop - an online workshop delivered over four 2 hour sessions covering all aspects of managing your career, inclusive of building a resume to capture your military skills, applying for jobs and marketing your skills and experience to prospective employers. JSP is accessible to all permanent ADF members and their partners at any point during their career.
- Career Transition Training - access to vocational education and training to support your employment or meaningful engagement goals after you transition.
- Partner Employee Assistance Program (PEAP) - delivers funding to assist ADF partners find employment when they relocate
Accessing the DFTP
Get in touch with your local ADF Transition Centre and they will introduce you and your family to an ADF Transition coach who will discuss with you the initiatives which will help you achieve your transition goals.
Make sure you let them know the course you are interested in and that you would like to work with OPEC college to achieve that course.
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 - ADF.transitionseminar@defence.gov.au.