Turning Defence Service into Meaningful Civilian Careers

In the lead up to ANZAC Day, it’s important to recognise our Defence personnel. Compass Group Australia (CGA) prioritises supporting current and former ADF personnel and their families, through creating and maintaining opportunities for those moving into civilian employment. With CGA’s commitment to veterans, the company became part of the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Program in 2022, taking into account the voices, needs and interests of veterans.

Photo from Gateway Village’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service in 2024.

Defence Life and CGA’s Veteran Pillar

Serving ten years in the Royal Australian Navy as a Steward, Michael McDonald, General Manager for Remote East and Central, participated in several active operations, including Iraq in 2003 and later peacekeeping missions in the Solomon Islands. He is currently part of the Veteran Pillar Committee at CGA.

“The formal Veteran Pillar, which I’m proud to be a committee member of, partnerships with organisations like Soldier On and CGA’s commitment through the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Program all send a strong message,” Michael stated.

Photo of Michael with his late Father, Warrant Officer Garry McDonald, when he received his Order of Australia medal.

“CGA doesn’t just respect military service in theory, it recognises the leadership, discipline and life experience Veterans and their families bring, and actively supports you as you find your feet in civilian employment.”

Transitioning from Defence life to civilian life has always been a challenging process, but CGA have committed to ensuring Defence personnel have support in their career progression and advice on the best ways to transfer skills learned during their service. Through providing structured support and a mentoring program, CGA have been able to collaborate with leaders and managers to build better ways to make the transition a smoother process.

The Transition to Civilian Life

Beginning her journey at just 17 years old, Candice Tait, National Lead for Talent Acquisition, launched her career with 10 weeks of basic training and 16 weeks of culinary training at a Victorian Navy base. Starting her Defence career at such a young age meant that Defence life was all she knew, which made navigating the transition to the civilian workforce an uncertain task after her time in the force.

“If we had CGA’s Veterans Pillar program 24 years ago, it would’ve meant everything. It would have been the guiding light at the end of the tunnel. Back when I was entering the civilian workforce, you didn’t know where to look, what to do, how to change or what was needed from you,” Candice reflected.

“Now, to have the path given to you so clearly and for a company like CGA to be able to open up and provide a clear outline of what your skills mean, how they’re transferrable to our business and how you can actually grow with us, is game changing.”

Supporting Defence Spouse and Families

For Defence spouses and families, the challenges are very different. The uniqueness of a Defence family situation is something that is often overlooked. Living in a Defence family can be unpredictable and reactive, leaving the opportunity for a stable life difficult to find or keep.

Melissa Bailey, Area Manager for ESS Defence and a spouse of a Defence personnel, has been working at CGA for 12 years and has contributed a huge amount to the company.  Her experience as a Defence spouse hasn’t been easy. With frequent deployments, relocations and more, her career in civilian life was always a worry.

Melissa with her ten year service award.

“From a career perspective, it can be challenging to feel like you’re constantly rebuilding, having to prove yourself again and work your way back up, regardless of your previous experience,” Melissa said.

“There’s also the added challenge of explaining frequent job changes to employers who don’t always understand the reality of Defence life.”

Melissa, despite being able to find community within the Defence space, notes the importance of finding a company that supports and understands those who live in it.

“CGA genuinely understands and supports the realities of Defence family life. The introduction of the spouse and family transfer policy provides real options during relocations, and with sites across every state, there are opportunities to maintain employment continuity.”

CGA is committed to consistent support of our current and former Defence personnel through providing access to mentoring systems and assistance in the transition out of the force. Our Veteran Pillar committee continues to evolve our current approach, taking into account the voices of those who have lived it.