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A new survey is asking Canadian Armed Forces veterans working in the defence industry to describe what happens after they land that first civilian job.
Why it matters: Veterans bring operational experience that translates well into defence sector work, but little is known about how their careers progress once the transition itself is behind them. With Canada's defence industrial base expanding and competition for talent intensifying, understanding those experiences could help companies retain and better use the skills already in their workforce.
The details: The survey was launched through ALLIES (A Leadership Lab for Impact and Executive Sponsorship), convened by ADGA Group in partnership with Invest Ottawa. Thales Canada, Calian, CAE, AWS Defence, SEA Canada and Leonardo are backing the initiative.
ALLIES' inaugural cohort has spent recent months bringing veterans together to discuss career progression, potential barriers and what helps veterans succeed after transition.
The survey asks veterans how their careers have progressed, whether their military background is recognized, what development and support they have received and what they want going forward.
It also examines whether veterans entering at different levels, from executive roles to junior technical positions, face different barriers as their careers advance.
What's next: Survey results will be analyzed alongside themes from the cohort's discussions. Findings and recommendations for both organizations and veterans will be presented at a capstone event during Veterans' Week this November.
Who can take part: The survey is open to Canadian Armed Forces and allied military veterans currently working in Canada's defence industry. Organizations are encouraged to share it with veteran employees to broaden participation.
