Moving to the outside

TRANSITIONING TO THE OUTSIDE: HELP IS AT HAND

By Judith Martin

The thought of becoming a civilian after 32 years in uniform was once daunting for Physical Training Instructor Warrant Office Class One Jason Keno.

Preparing himself to make that step into the unknown was made significantly easier by the NZDF Transition Team which helps people prepare for life on the “outside”.

“I was concerned I was totally out of touch with how civilians work – their processes and their culture. We have a very distinct culture in the NZDF, particularly in the Army. I joined when I was 16, so I really don’t know any other culture.”

WO1 Keno, who has represented the Army, NZDF and New Zealand at touch, received a verbal offer of employment as a physical education and te reo teacher at a secondary school. The school principal advised him to become fully qualified as a teacher first.

“I decided to go back to uni for a year to become qualified which I will do in 2021.” He met the Burnham-based transition coach and discussed a raft of issues, including things like study options and what help was available.

“She gave me a check-list which was really helpful and covered all sorts of things I hadn’t thought of, like health insurance, contracts and education scholarships. In the Army we are looked after well, and most of these things are taken care of for us.”

WO1 Keno says transition coaches can also help people prepare emotionally for transition. The thought of leaving behind the comradeship can be difficult.

“I was OK in that respect though because I am really excited about my new opportunity. I’m passionate about teaching. I didn’t want to leave the Army for a job where I thought ‘Oh no’ each morning. I can’t wait to get to work and try new things and take up the challenge of teaching our rangatahi. I’m going to something I am really looking forward to.”

He would like to become a reservist to ensure he doesn’t lose all his military connections. He coaches the Army men’s touch team and would like to continue to be involved once he leaves the Army. The NZDF Transition Team was established in November 2019. Career Transition coaches are available to help RF prepare for and navigate the move from military to civilian life.

“The introduction of the support provided by the team recognises the commitment our people make to their service careers and ensures members feel supported during the transition to civilian life, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes, says Transition Team co-ordinator Stephanie White.

“International research and experiences indicate that early preparation is key to career transition success. Covering all camps and bases, transition staff assist personnel who are leaving or who are thinking ahead and exploring opportunities for the day they leave the Defence Force. While people can access the Service at any point in their Service career, after initial training, it is particularly important and recommended that people touch base with the team if they are likely to be leaving within the next two to five years.”

Career Transition support empowers people to make well thought out career decisions based on interests, needs, abilities, attributes, values, and opportunities. It helps people to connect with industry, articulate their value to employers across mediums, translate military skills for civilian work, prepare and plan for the future of work, job search and network strategically, identify their internal and external transition supports.

They provide confidential and impartial advice to help people create a successful and sustainable career outside of the military.

The team are all professionally qualified, highly experienced, and proven as effective facilitators and career transition specialists. Transition Services available include: • Confidential one to one coaching sessions for personalised planning and preparation. This is available to all Regular Force personnel, at any point in their career following initial training and up to 12 months after their release, so people can reach back into the service should they encounter a bump in the road. • A series of short workshops and webinars which are held regularly online and on site at camps and bases.

Workshop/webinar topics include: Strategic Job Search,

Become the Standout

Candidate, Create an Effective

CV, Connecting on LinkedIn,

Interview Techniques and

Wellbeing During Transition. Webinars are easily accessed and run in the evenings. Civilian family members are welcome and encouraged to attend webinars. A three day Transition Seminar (Resettlement Seminar) seminar to help people connect with industry and recruiters, develop your network effectively, hone your job search, learn about entrepreneurship, get a better understanding of civilian workplace culture, training and development options.

Contact transitionunit@nzdf.mil.nz or your local coach to book or for any further information Tanya Derrett – Team Lead Defence House and Trentham tanya.derrett@nzdf.mil.nz Debby Prideaux Ohakea & Papakura deborah.prideaux@nzdf.mil.nz Jennie Miller Devonport jennifer.miller@nzdf.mil.nz Niki Gunning Ohakea, Linton, & Waiouru niki.gunning@nzdf.mil.nz Josiane McGregor Burnham & Woodbourne josiane.mcgregor@nzdf.mil.nz