Education Guide

In collaboration with education partner organisations, Soldier On offers a wide range of courses and training opportunities that can help Australian Defence personnel and their family members get recognition for existing skills, gain new qualifications, build on current skills, and explore new vocational areas. ​

The Education Guide connects you with Education Partners who are there to support and assist you on your learning journey and can offer free or subsidised courses. ​

Our Education Partners offer vocational, tertiary, and short courses; apprenticeships and traineeships; personal and professional development; mentoring; business and IT courses; the Discover My Career assessment tool; and more​.

Our Education team are also here to assist you with;​

  • Course research and education guidance​
  • Identifying pathways into employment through upskilling​
  • Creating individual learning plans to support your transition.

Offerings vary by state and include:

  • Short courses
  • CIT & Cybersecurity Courses
  • Cert II
  • Cert III
  • Cert IV
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas
  • Tertiary Courses ​
  • Traineeships and Apprenticeships ​
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Courses​
  • Scholarships​
  • Specialist Programs​
  • Discover My Career Tool – Harrison Career Navigation System (CNS) – TAFE QLD

View offerings by state below.

The Discover My Career Tool – Harrison Career Navigation System (CNS) is a scientific tool that evaluates you as an individual and aligns you with the careers best suited to your goals.

This process is built upon research which is specifically related to job performance and measures 175 work related traits including task preference, motivation, work environment preference, interests, and personal preferences.

Participants using this tool receive four reports:

  • Career options
  • Greatest strengths
  • Career development
  • Career comparison

The tool costs $45 to complete.

This structured 18-week program facilitates meaningful mentorship connections for veterans and their family members with experienced professionals from Soldier On Pledge Partners and other subject matter experts to help them achieve employment, educational and personal goals.

Find out more here.

Soldier On’s free webinar series provides useful information from our partners and supporters.


Defence Student Career Readiness Handbook

At Soldier On, we understand the unique challenges that Defence students face when navigating employment and career planning due to the demands of their parents’ military service. That’s why we’ve developed this handbook—to help Defence and ex-Defence students gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to become career-ready.

Whether you’re starting your career journey or looking for casual work after a recent move, this handbook offers valuable tools to help you achieve your goals.

To use the fillable PDF, download your copy from this link and save it to your computer. You can also print a hardcopy of the handbook directly from Dropbox.


The Ultimate Defence and Veteran Partner Handbook

Designed with military families in mind, this comprehensive guide covers the key aspects of military life, including employment and education. Whether you’re adapting to career changes due to relocations or seeking new opportunities for personal growth, this handbook provides practical strategies and resources to help you thrive.


Discover your Career Purpose Workbook

This workbook is designed for both current and former ADF members, as well as their families, to help discover and align with their passion, purpose, and core values using the principles of Ikigai—the Japanese concept of finding meaning and joy in life.

Whether you’re exploring new career paths, personal growth opportunities, or simply seeking clarity, this workbook provides a structured approach to uncover what truly motivates and fulfils you.

To use the fillable PDF, download your copy from this link and save it to your computer. You can also print a hardcopy of the workbook directly from Dropbox.


Further resources and courses are also available. For more information or to speak to Soldier On’s Education Team, contact education@soldieron.org.au

 

Opportunities by state

At 3CIR, we’re not just about recognising your past but fuelling your future. As premier Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Specialists for Military and Emergency Services personnel, we’re dedicated to transforming your hard-earned skills into nationally recognised qualifications. Begin with a complimentary RPL assessment and enjoy an exclusive 25% discount across all our qualifications.

Discover your potential, elevate your career, and unlock new opportunities with us. Your service and dedication deserve the best, and at 3CIR, we’re here to deliver just that. Veteran-owned, veteran-operated! 

For more information, visit us at https://www.3cir.com/services/military-rpl/ or contact us on 1300 517 039 | email: info@3cir.com

Empowering veteran success.

ACU makes higher education a reality through university pathways for the military-connected, student veteran support and research opportunities.

Learn more:
acu.edu.au/veterans
acu.edu.au/studentveteranservices

Student Veteran Services Team
(07) 3623 7847
studentveteranservices@acu.edu.au

At Aimpoint’s Learning Zone, we are proud to support our Veterans by offering free access to our online short courses until the end of December! Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life or looking to enhance your skills, we have a course for you. Our comprehensive course list includes:


• Veteran Transition Course
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Risk Management Fundamentals
• Lean Six Sigma
• Project Controls and Earned Value Management
• Schedule Management Fundamentals
• Business Development Fundamentals
• Entrepreneurship
• Cyber Security Awareness and Basics


Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to advance your career and gain valuable knowledge. Enrol today by contacting the education team and take the next step towards your future.

We partner with Apprenticeships Careers Australia (ACA), who offer national apprenticeships in multiple industries across Australia.

Rachael O’Brien
Rachael.obrien@apprenticeshipcareers.com.au

Asset College offer past and current Defence members a range of special offers and support services, including Defence RPL, security, leadership, project management, WHS and more.

www.asset.edu.au/nsw-government-funding

www.asset.edu.au/mss-security-scholarship

www.asset.edu.au/rpl

Mike Addicott
1300 731 602 | 0419 907 889
mike.addicott@asset.edu.au
RTO #31718 Master Licence: 000104393

Australian Paramedical College will provide entry pathways to Soldier On participants for nationally recognised training courses in pre-hospital emergency health care.

Scholarships available: www.apcollege.edu.au/blog/apc-becomes-an-education-partner-with-soldier-on/

APC Admissions Team
1300 377 741
info@apcollege.edu.au

Discounted courses, programs and scholarships are available including Master Trainer Program, Personal Trainer, Fitness Coach, Remedial Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist, Nutrition Coach and Short Courses.

https://fitness.edu.au/

partnerships@fitness.edu.au

CISCO offers Soldier On participants free online courses.

Courses can be implemented immediately, as self-paced options. No textbook purchases required. Free tools include online assessments, teaching guides, and classroom management tools.

Networking Academy courses are designed to develop the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills that employers desire. Students are prepared for CISCO and other highly valued IT certifications to increase employability and salaries.

These courses are a great ‘taster’ for anybody thinking of getting into the IT industry which can then be built upon by completing further study within the Academy.

13 in SkillsForAll
www.skillsforall.com

1300 620 380
education@soldieron.org.au

Cybersecurity training and placement company offering a program for a selected number of individuals looking to join the fight against cyber criminals. Scholarships available.

https://cyberrevolution.com.au/

Adam Hewitt
0431 245 289
adam@cyberrevolution.com.au

Veterans, military spouses, and dependents can now access free online, self-paced cybersecurity training from Fortinet, the world’s leading cybersecurity company, through Soldier On. For details on training and certifications, please read the NSE Brochure .

To get free exam vouchers and labs, and check eligibility, register via Soldier On’s Education team at education@soldieron.org.au.

This program offers a range of business vocational education training services, all fully funded and supported for Soldier On members.

www.frontlinelabs.org.au/vet-1-course

Mark Leatham
0478 480 278
markleatham@frontlinelabs.org.au

SkillsBuild is a free online platform offering over 7000 free online courses. The platform aims to connect job seekers with learning and career development opportunities.

IBM SkillsBuild users are invited to further their learning with free Udemy licenses upon application. The full course list of available Udemy courses can be found here.

To register, contact the Soldier On Education team at education@soldieron.org.au

The approach that was taken in developing the Entrepreneurship Program is to provide you with the practical and fundamental skills that you need to operate a business.

This course is designed to encourage you to challenge the status quo, develop critical thinking skills, round out your ideas with a bigger picture in mind and provide you with the pathway to succeed in business as well as give you real-world skills to take with you in any future venture. Click here for more details.

Sonia Dowling
(02) 4925 770
nhb@businesscentre.com.au

Attention current and past Defence personnel! Take the first step towards a brighter future with OPEC College and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your first qualification.

But that’s not all! We’re proud to offer two annual scholarships worth up to $500 each. It’s our way of honoring your service and supporting your educational journey. Seize this opportunity to excel academically and advance your career. Enrol today and let us help you reach new heights.


Vanessa Solomon
vsolomon@opeccollege.edu.au
07 3001 3770
www.opeccollege.edu.au

Solider On participants are guaranteed a formal interview for the annual Fast Track Program. If successful, Fast Track provides 12 months full-time paid employment on a stud farm while studying for a Certificate III in Horse Breeding – a nationally recognised qualification.
 
Open to anyone with a passion for horses regardless of experience.
 
 
Participants also have access to all of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s education initiatives including the online education platform, TBA Learning. Anyone under the age of 36 is also able to join TBA Next Crop. Membership is free and is open to anyone who has an interest in breeding and will also provide access to a number of exclusive events.
 
 

Madison Tims
02 9663 8477 | 0405 535 436
madison@tbaus.com

 

AVCAT scholarships include Long Tan Bursaries and sponsored scholarships. Sponsored scholarships are for the children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans. Long Tan Bursaries are for the children and grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans and are available in each state and territory. The Long Tan Bursary is funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

AVCAT sponsored scholarships are funded by ex-service organisations and private donors. These scholarships are for children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans.

All bursaries and sponsored scholarships are for tertiary education and are $4000-$6000 per year, for up to three years.

Further information is available on the AVCAT website, Scholarships | Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (avcat.org.au).

Helping Veterans Achieve Study Success with the launch of Five2Study
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. Veterans can face additional barriers when accessing higher education such as psychological stress and logistical hurdles.
Five2Study helps reduce these stressors by leveraging the strengths veterans bring from service and by provided targeted support.

Five2Study is an app designed to support veterans their families as they transition to higher education. Developed by Education Partners Australian Catholic University (ACU) and RSL Queensland under the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Wellbeing Grant 2022-2023.

Five2Study Features:
Wellbeing & Employment – Guidance on balancing health and career
Veteran Assistance – Resources for navigating veteran-specific support services
Academic Writing – Tips for essays, referencing and using AI with integrity
Time Management & Taking Notes – Strategies to enhance productivity
Reading Techniques & Reflecting – Improve comprehension and self-assessment
What To Expect in Higher Education – Insights and tips from fellow veterans

For further information view https://youtu.be/3oOxNHzGwG0?si=ucPB5tc2N8ouEZGx and visit ACU Five2Study. Additional On Campus support can also be found by visiting Service to Campus (service2campus.com.au).

Canberra Institute of Technology is the largest provider of vocational education and training in Australia’s capital.

https://cit.edu.au/study
https://cit.edu.au/study/cit_fee_free_tafe

industryengagement@cit.edu.au
CITApprenticeships@cit.edu.au
citschoolsengagement@cit.edu.au

The University of Canberra offers an annual Soldier On Scholarship value of $3000.

Applications open in January and close in February.
https://www.canberra.edu.au/scholarship/soldier-on.html

Contact the Soldier On Education team for more information.
education@soldieron.org.au

Considering a career after Defence? Learn about how your military skills can translate into a civilian setting with The Eighth Mile Consulting’s Personal Development & Leadership Program. 

Available to Singleton and Hunter Region participants only. 

https://eighthmile.com.au/soldier-on

Evan Parker
0400 395 067
evan.parker@eighthmile.com.au

Nationally recognised training and medical support.
 
As an approved Smart & Skilled provider, Emergency Australia delivers funded training for veterans and their recognised partners subsidised by the NSW Government.
 
Emergency Australia was born out of the vision to bring together veterans and experienced emergency service personnel to provide unparalleled training and medical services across Australia.
 
Our nationally recognised courses (RTO 41448) are diverse, and we look forward to discussing these funded options with you.
 
 
1300 857 918
training@emergencyaustralia.com.au 
Signature Learning and Development, (RTO #45762), offer subsided full qualifications such as civil construction, heavy machinery training and apprenticeships.
 
 

Terina Welch
1300 28 28 13 | 0427 660 360
trene@signaturelearning.net

TAFE NSW Ranks to Recognition offers a wraparound service including careers advice, skills assessment, credit transfer, RPL and training gaps analysis to help identify the skills and knowledge acquired in the ADF, and the pathway to civilian qualifications.
 
 
Sree Duntoor
 
Training Services NSW works to improve training outcomes for the people of NSW.
 
We work with industry, registered training providers and the community on vocational education and training. This gives people practical skills and technical knowledge for the workplace. It can help people entering the workforce for the first time, improving their skills, or developing a new career. It emphasises hands-on experience and teaches many skills in demand in NSW. We provide funding, guidance and support for vocational programs. This, in turn, supports economic, regional and community development.
 
For anyone seeking information on training programs please see link to the website where they can search for training: https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au
 
For more support contact your nearest Training Services NSW centre on 13 28 11.
 
 

A variety of vocational scholarships are available throughout the year for NSW residents only at Western Sydney University – The College.

westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege

Contact the Soldier On Education team for further information education@soldieron.org.au

Infinite Education and Training Pty Ltd is a values-driven education provider and consultancy, committed to delivering tailored training solutions that prioritise learner success.

The company upholds a strong dedication to innovation, excellence, and industry alignment, ensuring that each program is practical, relevant, and impactful. By focusing on a learner-cantered approach, Infinite Education and Training fosters an environment where individuals are empowered to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our unwavering commitment to quality and integrity underscores our mission to create meaningful, learning experiences that contribute to lifelong growth and success.

For further details on opportunities please contact Vanessa Solomon at vanessa@infiniteeducation.com.au or 0405 715 709.

NDIS – As an Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Provider, Vanessa can play a crucial role in providing valuable educational services under the NDIS framework, by offering tailored, functional and collaborative support that is aimed to enhance the independence and participation of adults with learning challenges.

Specifically, Vanessa uses personalised education services designed to improve the participant’s capacity to learn independently, helping them develop strategies for ongoing learning and problem-solving in daily life. 

Through this support, NDIS participants are provided the opportunity to build long-term skills and capabilities, to further enhance their social inclusion, employment opportunities and overall quality of life. 

 

Nationally recognised training and medical support.
 
As an approved Smart & Skilled provider, Emergency Australia delivers funded training for veterans and their recognised partners subsidised by the NSW Government.
 
Emergency Australia was born out of the vision to bring together veterans and experienced emergency service personnel to provide unparalleled training and medical services across Australia.
 
Our nationally recognised courses (RTO 41448) are diverse, and we look forward to discussing these funded options with you.
 
 
1300 857 918
training@emergencyaustralia.com.au 
 
 
TAFE Queensland provides a range of services to help support members to renter the workforce after exiting the Australian Defence Force. There are a range of funding options ex-ADF members may be eligible for that can reduce the costs of their studies.
 
Discuss your transition options with an experienced ex-ADF Defence Solutions Officer (DSO) to see what possibilities are available. Our experienced Defence team is here to help guide you through the transitions process.
 
 
 

CDU offers a range of education and support services benefits to veterans, including:
 
  • over 70 fee-exempt TAFE courses for NT-based veterans;
  • over 50 University courses (most available both on-campus and fully online) accepting entry based on 1+ years of ADF service at the rank of Private (or equivalent) or higher; and
  • veterans on staff in teaching and administrative areas, providing specialised support before, during, and after study.
 
Contact CDU’s Defence Project Officer for further information: 
 
 

TAFE SA Skills Transition Education Program (STEP) provide serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families with support and training to help transition to the civilian workforce. TAFE SA offers access to vocational education and training, to help support members to re-enter the civilian workforce or simply learn a new skill.
 
TAFE SA provides skills training and recognition of your previous experience for careers in emerging Australian industries and pathways to employment, in the ever-expanding Defence industry.

We offer a complete support service and can work alongside your ADF transitions Coach to provide specialised guidance.
For more information, please visit Transitioning from the ADF (tafesa.edu.au) and book an appointment.
 
1800 882 661
or book an appointment

A government-owned TAFE that offers over 250 certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor and graduate certificate courses, with each course carefully structured to ensure that all graduates finish with the skills needed to further their career aspirations.
 
 
Deb Griffin
Manager Defence Projects
+61356712313 | 0417545143

The Gordon is Victoria’s largest regional stand-alone TAFE and has been helping people gain real skills for real jobs for over 130 years.

Jack O’Donoghue
+61 3 5225 0725 | 0466 481 107
commercial@gordontafe.edu.au

thegordon.edu.au
TAFE3044

 
Wodonga TAFE is proud to offer the services of a Skills Recognition Program. With support and collaboration with the DFFH Office of Veterans, the program will cover the cost of your application.
 
Our Veteran Liaison Officer (VLO) has knowledge and experience of Defence doctrine, training, and transition processes. The VLO understands the challenges associated with your transition to civilian employment.
 
The VLO will be your conduit between the education departments of Wodonga TAFE or an education provider in your area and you. With experience in VET training the VLO understands what the assessor needs and how you can provide the evidence and demonstrate your knowledge.
 
Mitch Sisley 
+61 2 6055 6600 | 0472 520 687

South Metropolitan TAFE – Defence Industry Veterans’ Employment Scheme (DIVES)
The DIVES scholarship program is part of the WA State Government’s investment in Defence industry capabilities, offers up to $5,000 scholarships to eligible veterans. It supports training, retraining, and upskilling in high-demand defence industry occupations.
 
Please contact the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre. 08 9599 8655
defence.careers@smtafe.wa.edu.au
 
 
South Metropolitan TAFE
SM TAFE is one of Western Australia’s most diverse training providers with major campuses South of the river. Offering more than 300 qualifications, including Job Ready short course skill sets:

TasTAFE is Tasmania’s largest registered training organisation. We are a learner-centred training provider closely connected to industry and the community.
 
TasTAFE trains people for jobs in Tasmania’s key and emerging industries, including health and community services, building and construction, hospitality, water and energy, agriculture and many more.
 
We offer more than 150 nationally accredited and industry-endorsed qualifications from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level, as well as short courses and skill sets across more than 30 industry areas.
 
 
1300 655 307
 

Current specials

At Aimpoint’s Learning Zone, we are proud to support our Veterans by offering free access to our online short courses until the end of December! Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life or looking to enhance your skills, we have a course for you. Our comprehensive course list includes:


• Veteran Transition Course
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Risk Management Fundamentals
• Lean Six Sigma
• Project Controls and Earned Value Management
• Schedule Management Fundamentals
• Business Development Fundamentals
• Entrepreneurship
• Cyber Security Awareness and Basics


Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to advance your career and gain valuable knowledge. Enrol today by contacting the education team and take the next step towards your future.

UC have launched their Veteran Tertiary Support Program. If you are a current or former member of Defence and would like to study at the UC, your participation in the Veteran Tertiary Support Program entitles you to:

  • Apply through the website for direct entry receive an automatic selection rank based on your Defence rank and experience.
  • Obtain automatic credit for some units in some courses reducing your course completion time and the cost of your course.
  • Apply for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) for additional credit, subject to course requirements and credit limits.
  • Access a range of tailored support and benefits.

For further information visit – Veteran Tertiary Support Program – University of Canberra

UC have also opened applications to their two Synergy Defence and National Security Scholarships, valued at $20,000 each. Find out more!