The national recognition acknowledges Soldier On’s longstanding commitment to helping veterans and their partners build meaningful, sustainable careers beyond military service.
Soldier On has been named Champion of Veteran Employment at the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, recognising more than a decade of work helping veterans and their partners navigate the transition from military service to civilian employment.
The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday 28 October.
The award recognises Soldier On’s work at three interconnected levels: helping veterans and partners navigate pathways into civilian employment, equipping participants to identify and articulate the transferable skills gained through military service, and strengthening Australia’s broader veteran employment landscape.
Soldier On CEO Paul Singer said the recognition reflected the commitment of the organisation’s team, employer partners, mentors and supporters, as well as the veterans and families at the heart of its work.
‘We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Employment is about much more than helping someone find a job. It’s about helping veterans and their partners find purpose, build confidence, achieve financial security and establish a sense of belonging in their civilian lives,’ Paul said.
‘Veterans bring an enormous amount to Australian workplaces. Their experience in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and working under pressure has real value across a wide range of industries. We want more employers to recognise those capabilities and understand what veterans can offer.’
Building stronger pathways beyond service
Since 2012, Soldier On has worked alongside current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families to build healthy, connected and productive civilian lives.
Employment is a central part of this work. However, transitioning into a civilian career is not always straightforward. Military experience, qualifications and responsibilities do not always translate easily into language civilian employers understand, and veterans can face challenges identifying how their skills apply to new industries and roles.
In 2026, Soldier On brought together its Employment, Learning and Education services through an integrated Career & Education Program, creating a more connected, participant-centred approach.
The program provides personalised career guidance, education and training opportunities, mentoring, career readiness support, the Career & Education Hub and the Jobs & Opportunities Board.
Recognising that career development is rarely a linear process, the program supports veterans and partners at different stages of their journey – whether they are exploring career options, gaining new qualifications, changing industries or seeking their next opportunity.
Chloe Van Mulligan, Soldier On’s Head of Employment, Learning and Education, said the award reflected the work of a dedicated team and the importance of bringing employment, education and mentoring together.
‘This year, our Employment, Learning and Education programs came together to create a more holistic, personalised approach – one that meets veterans and their families where they are, recognises their strengths and empowers them to rediscover their purpose and build meaningful career pathways beyond service,’ Chloe said.
‘This award is a true reflection of collaboration. From the passionate and dedicated teams supporting our participants, to the employment and education providers, mentors and partners who help create opportunities, it takes a community working together to achieve meaningful employment and genuine impact.’
Expanding access to mentoring
Soldier On has also expanded its established Mentoring Program through the introduction of Micro-Mentoring, providing flexible, targeted career guidance and professional connections.
Since launching in April 2026, the initiative has attracted 51 registered mentors and 21 mentees, creating further opportunities for veterans and partners to access professional advice, industry knowledge and networks.
Alongside its direct support for veterans and partners, Soldier On works with employers, government, education providers and industry to improve understanding of military experience and encourage more inclusive recruitment, development and retention practices.
A stronger veteran employment landscape
The Champion of Veteran Employment award recognises the importance of sustained contributions to veteran employment, including advocacy, program development, partnerships and initiatives that create greater opportunities for veterans and their partners.
For Soldier On, the recognition provides an opportunity to highlight the value veterans bring to Australian workplaces and encourage more employers to consider how they can support successful transitions beyond service.
‘We’re pleased to see growing recognition of the skills and experience veterans bring to the workforce, but there is still more to do,’ Paul said.
‘We want veterans and their partners to have genuine opportunities to build careers that reflect their strengths, experience and aspirations. That means continuing to work with employers, building stronger pathways and making sure people have the support they need to succeed.
‘This award is an important acknowledgement of that work, and it motivates us to keep going.’
