Babcock Australasia has formalised its commitment to support veteran employment and wellbeing in Australia and New Zealand by becoming a Soldier On Bronze Pledge Partner for 2020.
The Soldier On Pledge is a standard that enables organisations across Australia to signal their support for current and ex-services personnel and their families by creating veteran-friendly workplaces and recognising the skills and attributes they offer.
Babcock Australasia’s Chief Executive Officer, David Ruff and Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director Corporate, Andrew Cridland signed the pledge today at a Veterans’ Morning Tea at the company’s Regional Support Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. Mr Cridland is Chair of Babcock Australasia’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship Committee.
Director of Veterans SA Catherine Walsh attended the event, alongside Soldier On’s Chief Executive Officer Ivan Slavich and Pathways Program Director Prue Slaughter, as well as members of Babcock’s veterans’ community.
Mr Ruff said Babcock is a well-established supporter of veteran employment with a workforce comprising highly qualified ex-service personnel in addition to active Defence Reservists.
“Veterans make up a large proportion of Babcock’s Defence and Aviation businesses,” he said.
“On Babcock’s Counter – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) contract with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), more than 70% of staff are veterans. At our Warrnambool aviation base in Victoria, 12 out of 13 pilot, air crew and ground crew are veterans.
“Babcock is committed to integrating veterans into our business. We recognise the outstanding skills and experience that they have to offer as Babcock continues to grow as a Defence, Aviation and Critical Services company from our regional headquarters in South Australia.”
Soldier On’s Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Slavich acknowledged Babcock’s long-standing commitment to veteran employment.
“We are delighted to welcome Babcock as a Soldier On Bronze Pledge Partner who are striving to increase their support for the veteran community,” Mr Slavich said.
“Babcock already has a strong veteran-supportive workplace culture in place. They are also taking the initiative to really understand the needs of the veteran community, the impact that serving has on the whole Defence family and what they can do as an organisation to enable veterans and their families to secure their future careers and thrive at work after leaving the Defence Force.”
The Soldier On Pathways team works directly with Pledge Partners to provide advice about employing and recruiting service personnel, veterans and family members, as well as help to provide quality applicants.
Soldier On’s Pathways Program Director, Prudence Slaughter, said Pledge Partners are integral to enabling veterans and their families to thrive.
“With the support and collaboration of veteran-friendly companies like Babcock, the Soldier On Pathways Program is helping to ensure that more veterans and their family members secure meaningful long-term employment,” Ms Slaughter said.
About Babcock
Babcock Australasia is a 100% Australian company, employing over 1300 Australians and New Zealanders. Operating across Defence, Emergency Services and Oil & Gas sectors, we support our customers’ technical, programme and complex platform requirements through our proven processes, systems and people. A subsidiary of Babcock International Group, we are proud to help keep our nation secure, our communities safe and the country moving, using Babcock’s specialist skills and knowledge to facilitate our client’s operational requirements.
A global solution being delivered locally.
About Soldier On
Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of services to enable veterans and their families to thrive. Soldier On’s holistic support services include a range of mental health and wellbeing programs, employment support, and education programs, as well as participation and social connection activities centred around the needs of the Australian veteran community.
The Soldier On Pledge is how organisations can demonstrate their commitment and support by providing employment opportunities for veterans and their families, through the Soldier on Pathways Program. The program currently provides support to over 3000 veterans and their families across Australia.
The support Soldier On provides currently reaches more than one million Australian veterans and their families. Further information is available at www.soldieron.org.au.