Career management
One-size doesn’t
fit all
Wherever you’ve worked, whatever has come your way, there is a future for you outside of your agency – our confidential career management services are specifically designed and tailored to support first responders/you in the next stage of your career and life*.
*Available to eligible first responder agencies.
Be your best at work
Our career resilience support (where available in agency) gives first responders a range of assistance to increase career resilience, engagement, and wellbeing through:
• Tailored workshops
• Seminars
• Self-paced learning modules
• Wellbeing, education and lifestyle resources
• All underpinned by supported case management.
Life after first responder work
Our one-of-a-kind Career Transition Program is tailored to your needs, to support an exit from first responder work with dignity, confidence and optimism including:
• Identifying your transferrable skills
• Job seeking
• Resume and job applications
• Interview coaching
• Seminars and workshops (resume writing, careers, coping with transition and much more)
• Self-paced learning modules
• Education and lifestyle resources
• Assistance to transition into retirement.
• All underpinned by supported case management
“I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible impact you’ve had on my life and career. When I first approached Fortem, I was drowning … I was provided with invaluable insights and guidance…(the Career Management Specialist) took the time to explain all the services Fortem had to offer and the extensive support available … you have not only reaffirmed my value within the community but, more importantly, you have restored my belief in my own worth as a human-being.”
Career Management Program Participant
Scott’s* Story
Scott* spent 36 years as a first responder and joined Fortem’s Career Management Program after facing compulsory retirement at age 60. They wanted to keep working and contributing to the community, feeling too young and healthy to retire.
“I think it is well known that there is a degree of identity loss when someone leaves first responder work, regardless of the service. Especially those who have had lengthy
careers, like me, you sort of become one with your first responder identity. You find yourself wondering what you might be able to do post-service; what are you qualified
to do? This is very daunting.” With two years of service remaining before compulsory retirement, they reached out to Fortem.“I can’t thank or praise Fortem enough for their existence and programs.
Since getting involved in the program… I have had access to tutoring and information from specialist recruiters, resume writers, and other first responders who have made
successful transitions and the unwavering support of the Fortem team. I have learnt that, despite my initial concerns, I do have a great many ‘transferrable skills’, and I’ve
been able to convert some of them to formal certifications with RPL.
“I now have a proper resume that I can confidently send off to prospective employers. I have an improved LinkedIn profile, and I’ve even had one-on-one conversations with HR managers of companies that are supporters of Fortem. This is the sort of access you don’t normally get. All these things assist in positive mental health and maintaining a sense of purpose and self-worth, post-service.”
Scott* – name changed
FAQ’s
Q. I have always worked as a first responder, what can I offer employers as a civilian?
First responders have many transferable skills and often underestimate their skills and abilities. Some common transferable skills include:
- Communications
- Management
- Operations
Fortem Australia will help realise your potential and together we will find the pathway that is right for you.
Q. What kind of career options are there for former first responders?
A wide range of career opportunities have been made available through the career management program including roles within government, compliance, project management, operations, business, the medical sector as well as opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships.
Q. Can you help me with Recognition of Prior learning (RPL)?
Yes. The CMP has partnered with several registered training organisations to assist participants with free RPL assessments based on their service and training history.
Q. What support is included in the program?
Every individual is different, and the program is tailored to your specific goals through our 1 – 1 case management. Other supports include resume coaching, interview skills, training, job application support and more.
Q. How long does the program go for?
Each participant works at their own pace, however all participants receive up to 6 months of formal case management with a dedicated career management specialist with continued access to the program resources, professional development training, and job board.
Q. I am nearing age retirement; what support is available to me through this program?
Each person’s retirement journey is different, and it’s all about preparation. Ask yourself: Do you need or want to keep working? Have you prepared your finances? How will you maintain your health and wellbeing? What support is there for retired members? Fortem Australia is here to help you, and your family navigate this transition, ensuring you retire with the dignity and the gratitude you deserve.
Q. I feel trapped in my role as a first responder and don’t know what to do.
Feeling confused and anxious about the potential of leaving your agency is normal and is experienced by many first responders on this journey. Fortem’s career management specialist will help you see your value and work with you to identify possible career paths.
Whether that means a healthy dignified transition or providing support to help you maintain your current role as a first responder.
Q. Is my participation confidential?
All verbal and written information obtained during your participation in the Career Management Program (CMP) is strictly confidential. The information you share with your Career Management Specialist and Fortem Australia will remain private and will not be shared with any third party unless compelled to do so by law or with your consent.
Q. Does entering the program mean I have to transition out of first responder work?
No. We reconise every individual is different and we support you to achieve the best possible outcome that aligns with your goals.
Fortem Australia has supported approximately 23% of our participants to re-engage with their agency with renewed sense of purpose and value.
Privacy
Our independence means you can be confident that whatever you share with us, stays with only us.
How to book
Contact our career management team for a confidential chat by completing this form.
We continue to work with agencies to expand our Career Management Program. The Program is currently open to the agencies listed on the Registration Form. If your agency is not available, we encourage you to check in from time to time as our networks continue to grow.
The Career Management Program is also open to civilian members of eligible agencies that perform operational roles, such as forensics, intelligence, radio operators etc.
Please register only if you are employed by one of the agencies listed in the drop-down menu.
If your agency does NOT appear in the below dropdown list of organisations being supported, please express your interest in the program here: Contact – Fortem Australia. The data will be collated and used (de-identified) in our discussions with your agency regarding the provision of Career Management Program services.
General questions regarding the program can be made directly via cmp@fortemaustralia.org.au. All formal enquiries and registrations are to be made via the above form.