Purpose guides RAAF veteran to rewarding new career

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran Bart De Vree always saw himself working in tech.  

But a low point in his life saw him rethinking – and transforming – his career through the RSL Employment Program. 

“I've got quite a technical background and I'd always thought technical work was what I wanted to do,” Bart explains. 

“Through career counselling and the RSL Employment Program, I realised, no; I don't really want to do that. I really want to engage with people and serve the community and do some good.”

A pivotal realisation 

Bart served in the RAAF from 1997 to 2000, including a deployment to East Timor – a “definite highlight” of his military career. 

“I was an Avionics Mechanic with 37 Squadron Hercules. We stationed in Darwin and flew in and out of Dili several times a day – refitting aircraft, doing on-tarmac repairs and so on to keep the aircraft flying,” he says. 

“Getting to put into practice those things that you're trained to do, and the camaraderie and teamwork – that was definitely a highlight.” 

Years and several life-changing events later, Bart found himself “in a really bad place”. Grappling with financial pressures and a stressful work environment, he reached out for support. 

“I'd taken quite a downward turn, so I engaged with the RSL Queensland, Open Arms and Mates4Mates,” he says.  

“Through counselling, it became apparent that one of the big factors in my life that I was unhappy with was what I did for work.” 

The RSL Employment Program helped Bart realise why: his job didn’t match his values. 

“I thought I was a technical person, and I still enjoy that as a hobby,” he shares. “But I get the most satisfaction out of working with people, and I didn't really know that about myself until I really engaged with the program.”

Supported towards success  

With Bart’s career goals now clear, the RSL Employment Program team could focus on finding and preparing him for suitable roles. 

“Amy, my Employment Consultant, was great,” Bart says.  

“She was able to guide me to career opportunities that I wouldn't have looked at before.  

"She kept in constant contact, making sure that I was okay, that I had enough assistance, and letting me know about the employer partners they had aligned with. The service provided was really good.” 

The team also helped Bart to spruce up his resume, write job applications, prepare for interviews and better understand the civilian employer mindset.  

“The military is a world unto itself. The skills carry over, but not necessarily how we interact with superiors and all that sort of stuff,” he says.  

“In ‘Civvie Street’, you've got to sell yourself, and that's not something a lot of us are very good at. So, that guidance on interview techniques and how to interact with civilian employers was really beneficial.” 

Real work rewards  

With the program’s help, Bart landed a role that truly aligns with his values. He’s now an Access Assessor for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which assists eligible people with disabilities to live more independently, access more opportunities and enjoy a higher quality of life.  

“I look at the evidence that people provide and see whether they meet the criteria to receive support from the NDIS,” he explains. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to let people know that there is help available and we can provide that for them.” 

Importantly, it’s a secure, stable role that provides Bart with connection and purpose. 

“In the technical world, you can spend quite a lot of time in your own space and doing a one-person job,” he says. 

“This is much more collaborative. It's a very welcoming environment to work in, and it's very person-focused. Everyone I've spoken to wants to do good for people, and that's similar to my time in service. Most people join Defence to serve their country, their community.  

“In the NDIS, I don't have to worry about meeting sales targets or turning a profit. I can just focus on each applicant or participant and providing the best service that I can. 

“That's the best thing about it – the connection with other people and the satisfaction of contributing in a way that I find meaningful.” 

“Life-changing” guidance  

Bart is immensely grateful for all the support he’s received. He recommends the RSL Employment Program to any veteran who’s seeking a new job or career change. 

“Get involved. It's such an incredibly helpful, easy service to engage with,” he says. 

“They've provided me with services that I didn't even realise I needed. It really helped me get started on the right career path and secure a role that I take great satisfaction in. 

“To really analyse what your core values are, and then be guided towards finding meaningful work that aligns with your values, it's life-changing.” 

Learn more 

Available nationally, the RSL Employment Program is open to ex-serving Defence members and the partners of current and ex-serving Defence members.  

Register or find out more at rslqld.org/find-help/employment.