Community libraries for first responders
A mentorship program designed to support first responders transitioning from their career has been adopted by Fortem following a successful pilot in early 2025.
Fortem’s Career Management Program helps guide first responders to the next step in their career, whether that’s finding new purpose within their agency or transitioning from service with dignity.
For those transitioning, a common challenge can be the anxiety felt when taking the first steps out of service.
The mentor program aims to support them through this anxiety by pairing participants with mentors who have transitioned from service themselves and found purpose outside of their first responder careers. Where possible, the mentor will have had a similar career path or be working in a career that aligns with the participant’s interests.
The pilot program ran from January to April this year, with mentors meeting with program participants weekly. Feedback from both mentors and mentees was positive, with the program to be rolled out as an ongoing component of the Career Management Program from later this year.
Fortem recently called for expressions of interest from mentors, including those who have previously participated in the Career Management Program, as well as our volunteer, ambassador and Advisory Board networks.
To find out more about Fortem’s Career Management Program, visit https://fortemaustralia.org.au/career-management/