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Veteran Support

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Veterans


At Wodonga TAFE, we know that everything you’ve learned—both in service and in life—matters. That’s why our RPL Program is here to support Victorian veterans, Defence Force personnel, and their families, whether you’re looking to start a new career, upskill, or take the next step in your education.

RPL recognises the skills, knowledge, and experience you’ve already gained—through military service, previous study, work, or life itself—so you can move forward without repeating what you already know.

We work with you to match your experience to nationally recognised qualifications, helping you save time and reduce costs while focusing on what really matters for your next role or career move. It’s about making your journey smoother, faster, and more rewarding.
 

How We Support You
 

You’re not alone in this process. Our dedicated Veteran Liaison Officer is here to provide comprehensive support. Whether you’re transitioning from the ADF, exploring new opportunities, or looking to formalise your skills, we’ll work with you to find the right pathway forward.

What kind of support:

  • Take the time to understand your passions, identify your unique strengths and help you overcome challenges.
  • This is an impartial service, we work with you and the TAFE/RTO that best suits to establish RPL for Veterans pathway opportunities.
  • Funding support for RPL units within a career plan.
  • We also connect you with additional services that may be helpful, including career advice, wellbeing support, and access to specialist staff.
Veteran Liaison Officer (VLO)

A Veteran Liaison Officer (VLO) is the go-to support person for veterans moving from military to civilian life. The role is all about helping veterans turn their service experience into recognised qualifications through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. This means sitting down with veterans one-on-one, guiding them through career options, and mentoring them so they feel confident about their next steps. The VLO makes sure veterans’ skills, rights, and experiences are understood and valued, while providing clear advice on training, study, and work pathways.

The role also involves working closely with veteran organisations, defence contacts, education providers, and community groups to build strong connections and create opportunities for veterans. A big part of the job is trialling and shaping RPL models that make the transition smoother not just for today’s veterans, but for future ones as well. It’s a mix of practical support, advocacy, and community-building that makes a real difference in how veterans move forward with their careers and education.

Specialist Services

The VLO can also assist in supporting the families of veterans or current serving spouses to develop their own career pathways. The VLO understands the complexity of Military life and the barriers that can be faced by posting cycles and managing family life. With Wodonga TAFE’s on-campus childcare facility, we can help you get into the workforce sooner.

We have direct connections to the Australian Government, Australian Defence Force (ADF), Ex-service Organisations (ESO), ADF Transition Cell (ADFTC), Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and ADF Reserves. The VLO has a current Defence Common Access Card and visits sites to assist members at Latchford, Bandiana, and Gaza Ridge Barracks as well as willing to travel to other Victorian bases to ensure you succeed in your goals.

Program Funding

The RPL Veterans Program is funded by the Department of Families Fairness and Housing – Veterans Program. There are up to 20 RPL Veteran's Program specific scholarships per year for Veterans that enrol. 

Ex-Defence Force personnel who hold a Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) Gold card may be eligible for concession fees for TAFE courses. This means that Veterans may be able to retrain or upgrade their existing skills with Wodonga TAFE.

You can now access more than 80 Free TAFE qualifications and short courses without the cost of tuition fees, even if you already hold a VET qualification or degree. 


Other funding support

Our VLO can also assist you in accessing various scholarship funds to assist in the cost of your further education.

  • The Gallipoli Scholarship Fund provides financial support to those entering a diploma or advanced diploma at TAFE, subject to eligibility criteria and selection. This is a third-party scholarship, external to Wodonga TAFE. To learn more visit: Gallipoli Scholarship Fund - Application (2025 applications are currently closed).
  • RSL Australia offer various scholarship schemes that might assist Victorian Veterans to achieve the dreams of further education for more information visit: RSL Scholarships & Awards.
Wodonga TAFE Veteran Skill Set

Wodonga TAFE offers a Veteran Skill Set of up to 15 Units of competence developed with Veterans in mind and chosen from a broad range of qualifications to assist you to begin your journey to further education. 

Veterans across the State of Victoria can take advantage of this Skill Set if they are unsure of their prior qualifications yet would like to take part in learning outside of the standard VET qualification package model. 

For those who are not sure if their previous skills and training will provide RPL, the Veteran skill set offers the following:

  • Three Work Health and Safety (WHS) units (Cert II – Cert IV)
  • Six Leadership/Managment units
  • Six Communication units.

Veterans can choose any combination up to the full 15 units, which are found across a broad range of qualifications. For more information get in contact with the Wodonga TAFE VLO.

Wodonga TAFE delivers practical, industry-relevant training across a range of industries from entry-level certificates to diplomas. With our many University partnerships, we can support you further with pathways to higher education.

Wodonga TAFE proudly maintains a strong connection with the Australian Defence Force; our contracted training delivery model strengthens our understanding of the unique experience and training Veterans have gained when in service.

Useful links


 

 

Information & General Enquiries

Call 1300 698 233

Email vlo@wodongatafe.edu.au

 

Veterans and Families

Wodonga TAFE acknowledges its partnership with the Australian Defence Force and is committed to working with Australian Defence Veterans to connect and increase their participation in education and employment to ensure they are an active and valued part of our community. We have established a Veterans and Families working group to ensure we action our plans and initiatives within our Veterans and Families Strategy.

Learn more
www.wodongatafe.edu.au
1300 698 233
info@wodongatafe.edu.au
RTO: 3097