Career planning for veterans

Feds help former soldiers transition to civilian life

A new federal program will help Canadian Forces veterans successfully transition from the military to civilian careers.

The Job Placement Program is available to current or former members of the Canadian Forces released within the last two years, including certain reservists.

The program will provide job-search training, individual career counselling and job-finding assistance.

"This program will help our veterans make smooth transitions into civilian life and find new, rewarding careers," said Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson.

While most veterans are highly skilled, many have not previously worked outside of the military. Working with a career coach will help veterans identify their transferable skills, which will help them in their job search, said Bram Lowsky, general manager of employment consulting firm Right Management.

Right Management, which is sponsoring the Job Placement Program, started a similar program in the United Kingdom and helped more than 96 per cent of veterans find jobs within six months of leaving the military, said Lowsky.

For more information about the program visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!