The NSW government’s new program will offer practical guidance to military personnel who want to change careers and help identify government roles closely matched skills associated with military rank.

It also includes an education campaign to help employers better understand the unique skills and experience that veterans can offer an organisation.

Former Army Major Garth Callender, who has served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been appointed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet to spearhead the program, with a target of transitioning 200 veterans into the public sector by 2019.

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said a lot of military personnel can struggle to find work.

“There’s a misperception that their skills will not translate to different types of workplaces,” Mrs Williams said.

“What we want people to understand is that the managerial skills and academic training you pick up in the military are second to none, and can translate into successful NSW government careers.

“The NSW government really leads in post-military employment and in recognising the value of skills and attributes that former ADF personnel bring from their service,” Mrs Williams said.

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said stable, meaningful employment is an effective way to combat a host of welfare issues that can affect veterans and this program will help ensure that veterans have the opportunity to make an ongoing contribution to our community.

Former military personnel often struggle to have their skills understood by potential employees, resulting in unemployment and underemployment.

“This program recognises that the community has already invested significantly in military personnel and their wealth of skills and experience can be of enormous value to employers,” Mr Elliott said.