Australian Special Operations veterans in need of support to transition into the civilian workforce are set to benefit from a new partnership between Lockheed Martin Australia and the Commando Welfare Trust, in conjunction with the efforts of Wandering Warriors. The Commando Trust Veterans’ Scholarship Program (the Program) has been established with a $120,000 endowment by Lockheed Martin Australia, providing for six $5,000 training scholarships per year over four years.
Scholarship recipients will be able to select courses to the value of $5,000 from a prescribed list of four full, and eleven partial, qualifications to be delivered by accredited Australian registered training organisations across the country. The Program curriculum was developed in close collaboration between Lockheed Martin Australia and Commando Welfare Trust, resulting in a tailored training solution for Special Operations veterans that capitalises on key transferrable skills in demand within the civilian workforce. The four full qualifications available under the Program are: Certificate IV in Leadership and Management; Team Leader Step Up Program; Diploma of Project Management; and Diploma of Work, Health and Safety. In addition to the qualifications, recipients will be mentored by Lockheed Martin Australia executives as they complete their training and settle into their civilian lives.
Speaking at the launch of the Program, Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive, Joe North, said Lockheed Martin Australia was proud to partner with the Commando Welfare Trust and to support those who had served and sacrificed so much. “Lockheed Martin Australia is committed to supporting and improving the lives of those, and the families of those, who have served and sacrificed for our country,” he said. “The Commando Trust Veterans’ Scholarship Program recognises Special Operations veterans possess many attributes and transferable skills such as leadership qualities and project management skills that, once harnessed through training and mentoring, can lead to career opportunities in the civilian sector.” “Our continued investment into veteran support initiatives such as the Commando Trust Veterans’ Scholarship Program has helped create opportunities for Australian servicepeople and their families to enjoy a better future.”
Chairman of the Commando Welfare Trust, Brigadier Mark Smethurst DSC, AM (Retd), said the Program would make a real impact in the lives of Australian Special Operations veterans and their families. “As the Trust’s inaugural corporate partner, Lockheed Martin Australia demonstrated a genuine commitment to creating a practical scholarship program focused specifically on the needs of Special Operations veterans looking to transition to the civilian workforce,” he said. “Lockheed Martin Australia’s capabilities and advanced technologies support and protect our servicepeople in the field, so we are proud to partner with them in delivering the Commando Trust Veterans’ Scholarship Program and give Special Operations veterans the best opportunity to be successful in their chosen civilian career.” The Program is now open for applications and for more information about how to apply for a Commando Trust Veterans’ Scholarship, go to www.commandotrust.com or contact the Trust Executive Officer, Major Steve Pilmore OAM RFD (Retd) at steve.pilmore@commandotrust.com
