Veterans work harder, according to the Census
What Census data tells us about Veterans’ Employment in Australia.
The 2021 census was the first to ask some important questions about the Australian Defence Force and its people. With the second round of 2021 Census data released in late 2022, DVA published some insights into how our nation’s veterans perform in the civilian workforce. Turns out, they are highly valued.
According to the ABS, there are 581,1000 people who have served in the Australian Defence Force, which equates to 2.8% of the Australian population over the age of 15. The rates of employment amongst veterans (75%) and reservists (89%), are higher than the national average of 74%. In its reporting on the topic, DVA said this “reaffirms that veterans are highly valuable assets in the workplace and can successfully translate their skills and experience from the ADF to the civilian workforce.”
Of course, that’s not to say that translating military skills is easy – we cover that topic in this article. If this is an area you need support in, reach out to the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program. We help veterans leverage their skills to find fulfilling work in the civilian workforce.
Veterans Employment: 6 facts from the Australian Census
Female veterans more like to be managers
Female veterans (14%) and reservists (17%) were more likely to be employed as managers when compared to the general population, which lists just 11 per cent of women employed as managers. And looking specifically at younger demographics, female veterans are more likely to be employed as managers than their male counterparts.
Veterans more likely to work in the public service
Of the industries Veterans were most likely to work in after service, those that contributed services to the public were most likely. Public Administration and Safety industries have the highest percentage of ex-Defence workers (17.8%), with just 6% of those who never served working in these fields. Engineering and Related Technologies was the most common field of study.
Veterans volunteer more
In addition to popular industries for paid employment, the data also showed ADF members, both current and retired, were more likely to have volunteered in the 12 months leading up to the census date. 21% of ADF members clocked volunteer hours compared to 15% of the general population. This is a testament to Defence members’ sense of loyalty and duty to society.
Some states have better employment opportunities for veterans
Of all states and territories, Queensland and Western Australia had the highest percentage of employment for veterans. This shows that remaining flexible in regards to your geographical location could help you find a job you love in the civilian workforce.
Veterans work longer hours
We know veterans are hard-working and dedicated (read about their other stand-out attributes here), and Census data support this.
While current service members were most likely to work more than 35 hours per week, 40.8% of veterans reported working 35-49 hours per week and 15.2% reported working more than 50 hours per week. This is higher than workers who never served, registering 35% and 8% respectively.
Indigenous veterans more likely to work full time
Turning now to our First Nations veterans, Census data shows that 45% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans work full time, compared with 29% of those who have never served.
Reach out to the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program
Census data shows that veterans are hard-working and valuable employees in the civilian workforce. If you’re ready to make your next career move and could use a hand with job hunting, applying for roles and meeting employers with current vacancies, reach out to the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program today.
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