Soldier On has launched a new Micro Mentoring Program, giving veterans and their family members access to flexible, one-on-one career guidance designed to help them navigate their next step with confidence.
The new program complements Soldier On’s established, award-winning full 18-week Mentoring Program and provides participants with a focused 45 to 60-minute session with an experienced mentor from industry, enabling them to gain practical insights into a specific job role, sector or career pathway.
Convenience and accessibility
Designed for participants who may be transitioning from service, considering a career change, returning to work, or simply exploring what comes next, the new program aims to remove many of the barriers often associated with longer-term mentoring commitments.
It sits within Soldier On’s newly formed Employment, Learning and Education team and complements the organisation’s broader mentoring, career and education offerings, including the established full mentoring program and Career and Education Program.
Lived experience matters
Early feedback from the program has been overwhelmingly positive.
Veteran participant Will described the experience as ‘excellent’, saying the program exceeded expectations and delivered genuinely valuable industry insights.
‘This was my first time participating in a formal mentorship program, and it exceeded my expectations,’ he said.
‘The entire process from sign-up to the session was seamless, and the Soldier On communication was outstanding throughout.’
‘My micro-mentor was highly knowledgeable, well-prepared, and really easy to connect with. I’ll be highly recommending the program to fellow veterans and current serving friends.’
Another participant, Gabriel, said the program had strengthened his understanding of his chosen field and helped him feel employment-ready.
‘My mentor was extremely helpful and was able to provide a list of organisations for me to reach out to,’ he said.
‘I now feel I have everything required to find gainful employment in my desired field. This success can be attributed to both the mentoring program as well as Soldier On’s employment services.’
Flexible, friendly support to further your career
Soldier On Mentoring Program Manager Lynda Simon said the new offering was designed to meet veterans and family members wherever they are in their career journey.
‘Sometimes all it takes is one meaningful conversation to help someone see their future more clearly,’ Ms Simon said.
‘Whether a participant is preparing to transition from Defence, returning to work, or considering an entirely new industry, this program gives them direct access to experienced professionals who can help turn uncertainty into confidence.’
‘Micro Mentoring is flexible, practical and built around real-life career decisions. It is about helping people take that next step with clarity and support.’
Mentors have also praised the initiative.
MAJ Glenn Pinnuck is an Army Aviation Engineering Officer of 37 years, who has also recently separated from Defence and has joined the Soldier-On micro-mentoring program as a way to share his experiences and insights and give back to other veterans, as part of their ongoing journey through transition.
He believes the program offers meaningful support for veterans exploring civilian career pathways.
‘I think this is a great program that benefits veterans with post-service advice toward civil employment options,’ Glenn said.
Mentors come from a broad range of professional backgrounds, including Soldier On’s industry partners and the wider community, bringing real-world experience and diverse career perspectives.
The program is open to Soldier On participants aged 18 and over, including veterans and their family members, and now sits alongside Soldier On’s broader cohort-based mentoring program as an ongoing offering.
Soldier On Chief Executive Officer Paul Singer said the program reflects Soldier On’s continued commitment to supporting veterans and families through meaningful employment and successful transition outcomes.
Confidence-building conversations
‘For many veterans and families, knowing what comes next can be one of the most challenging parts of transition,’ Mr Singer said.
‘Sometimes, one conversation with the right person can change the course of someone’s career and give them the confidence to take that next step.’
‘Our new Micro Mentoring Program is about creating those moments – practical, personal connections that open doors, build confidence and help people move forward with purpose.’
‘At Soldier On, we are committed to ensuring veterans and their families are supported not only during transition, but throughout every stage of their employment and career journey.’
For many participants, one focused conversation can be the catalyst for an important next chapter.
Learn more about Soldier On’s mentoring offerings here.
