4 days ago
‘Good for business': Boeing Defence Australia's recruitment secret
This article is sponsored by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Boeing has the broadest portfolio in Australian aerospace, from manufacturing of commercial aircraft components to design and development of defence systems, modelling and simulation, and more.
Of its 4500 employees in Australia, more than 1000 were formerly in the armed forces.
'We find veterans really excel at leading and making decisions, particularly in time-critical environments,' said Amy List, managing director of Boeing Defence Australia and a veteran of the Royal Australian Air Force.
'Military people have a really strong work ethic and strong discipline, and they show up and always bring their best. Veterans excel at adaptability and problem-solving skills. There's also that mindset of safety and compliance to the regulations, particularly in aviation: not everyone is suited to working in that environment, but our veterans have lived and breathed it for years, and they're perfect for the role.'
As a trained aeronautical engineer, Ms List had a distinguished career in the RAAF, but she said her technical training is not her most important asset.
'The most important skillsets I acquired as a RAAF officer were the ones that had little to do with thrust or aerodynamics,' she said.
'It's about making decisions in uncertain environments. The military, across all levels, provides some really outstanding leadership training, and not only training on how to be a leader, they provide a lot of training in how to be a good teammate.'
Ms List said veterans are very connected to the work they do and play a key role in supporting customers.
'While we might recruit them to come into a job that's directly relatable [to their past skills], hopefully their career path will open for them and they can go in different ways,' she said.
Boeing Defence Australia is one of the Australian Defence Force's most important partners.
From the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter, P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook to cutting-edge development programs including the uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat, the company is maintaining and developing weapons systems that need to be both complex and reliable.
Ms List said the ability to contribute to a dynamic organisation is what sets ex-service people apart.
'While the specific technical skills, like being able to fix a Super Hornet or understanding the way the software works on a particular aircraft are valuable, I actually find it's those soft skills that really come to the fore when we're determining what it means to be a great employee here at Boeing,' Ms List said.
That's why the company is making itself as attractive as possible as a post-service employer.
Boeing Defence Australia is now recognised as an Employer of Choice, alongside more than 350 organisations that have joined the Department of Veteran Affairs' Veteran Employment Commitment.
'It formalises what we are agreeing to do to make sure that we're a great place for veterans to work; that we have those support mechanisms in place; that we're able to help them translate their military skills to the civilian environment,' Ms List said.
Veterans and Boeing employees Dave Wilson, Jodi Reid and Lisa Sheridan at the Shine of Remembrance in Anzac Square, Brisbane.
However, she said many ex-servicepeople often struggle to sell their abilities and experiences to employers.
'I think one of the key elements of serving in the military and being part of something that's bigger than yourself is an inherent humility and an understanding that you rarely achieve anything by yourself,' she said.
'They're always wanting to give the credit to someone else.
'One of the things we work on with veterans as we're helping them translate their skills, is to really make sure they own those key skills, the benefits they bring, and are able to go to job interviews and put their best foot forward.'
Boeing also has a global Veterans Engagement Team with an Australian chapter.
'It's a central point for all our veteran activities. It helps give them support if they need it, and helps them network,' Ms List said.
'We have a lot of activities to make sure veterans can connect, and share some of those unique challenges they might face, particularly as they transition to civilian employment.
'One of the things that we look to do with our BVET group is to make sure they can come and work for us and immediately find that community of people who understand what they've gone through, and can help connect them to other people, and resources that might help.'
Ultimately, Ms List said it is hard-headed business that drives Boeing to employ so many ex-service people.
'It's absolutely good for our business to have veterans in here.'
Hiring a veteran is great for your organisation. Find out how to recruit and retain veteran employees at
