From Defence Service to Civilian Career Clarity

From Infantry Major to Delivery Manager – Translating Defence Experience into Civilian Qualifications

Defence & Security Leadership

“I wanted to quantify my experience in preparation for doing a CV… RPL made the transition much smoother.”

Highest Qualification Achieved

BSB60615 Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety

Other Qualifications

CPP50611 Diploma of Security and Risk Management

Key Outcomes at a Glance

Defence experience formally recognised, supporting career transition, education progression, and civilian employment.

Senior Leadership (Military Officer – Infantry Major)

Job Level

Diploma of Security and Risk Management

Diploma

Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience

RPL Completion

Defence, Security & Risk Management

Industry

Senior Leadership (Military Officer – Infantry Major)

Job Level

Diploma of Security and Risk Management

Diploma

Recognition of Existing Skills and Experience

RPL Completion

Defence, Security & Risk Management

Industry

Background and Starting Point

Gareth Rochester, an Infantry Major in the Australian Defence Force, wanted to transition to the civilian world. To communicate his skills effectively and gain a competitive edge, he sought Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through Churchill Education.

Previous Role

Infantry Major, Australian Defence Force

Industry

Defence, Security & Risk Management

At This Point

Transitioning from Defence to civilian career while formalising experience through RPL

The Journey Begins

Defence Experience and Leadership

Gareth built a strong career in Defence, developing leadership and management capability in high-responsibility environments. He recognised the need to translate this experience into civilian terms for future employers.

Transition to Civilian Employment

As he moved into long service leave and prepared for transition, Gareth focused on positioning his skills for civilian roles, particularly in security, risk, and management fields.

Need for Clear Qualification Mapping

Gareth wanted a structured way to communicate his experience, ensuring employers could clearly understand his Defence background and transferable skills.

Why Churchill Education?

Why Gareth Decided on RPL with Churchill

Clear guidance helped Gareth translate Defence experience into civilian qualifications

“I appreciated the advice and the focus on quality rather than quantity of qualifications.”

Check Your Eligibility

Key Reasons

Specialist guidance for Defence-to-civilian transition

Clear advice on most relevant qualifications for career goals

Focus on quality over volume of qualifications

Professional and structured RPL approach

Strong reputation for supporting Defence personnel

The Turning Point

Carmen helps clients see the transferable value of their experience and translate it into formal qualifications

Start Your RPL Journey

Background Journey

She works closely with clients through RPL assessments, reviewing career experience, training, and references, providing clear guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

Phase 01

Understanding Client Goals

Carmen listens to career aspirations and identifies relevant experience for RPL.

Phase 02

Evidence Review

She helps compile work history, projects, and qualifications to meet assessment requirements.

Phase 03

Guidance and Support

Carmen provides feedback and encouragement, ensuring clients feel confident and prepared throughout the assessment process.

Challenges and How They Were Overcome

Clients often struggle to see the value of their experience and manage career transitions. Carmen guides them to overcome these obstacles.

Who this is suitable for

Challenge 1: Recognising Transferable Skills

Many clients are unsure how past experience fits national qualifications.

Solution

Carmen helps map experience to qualification requirements, validating skills formally.

Challenge 2: Career Transition Uncertainty

Changing roles or industries can feel daunting and overwhelming.

Solution

Carmen provides structured guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help clients take confident steps forward.

Career Outcome and Impact

Carmen’s support helps clients turn experience into qualifications and build career confidence

Current Position

Skills Recognition Advisor at Churchill Education

Skills Recognition Advisor

Skills Awareness

Clear understanding of transferable skills

Skills Recognition

Recognition of prior learning through formal qualifications

Career Confidence Boost

Increased confidence to pursue new career opportunities

Clear Career Direction

Greater clarity on professional and career goals

The RPL Experience

What Carmen's journey was really like

Guided Support

Clients receive step-by-step guidance throughout the RPL process

Flexible Approach

Carmen accommodates individual career histories and schedules

Confidence Building

She ensures clients feel supported and valued during assessments

Validated Achievements

Clients gain recognition for real-world experience, enhancing professional credibility

Carmen's Advice to Others

Carmen shares lessons on growth, confidence and career progression

“Working with Carmen has been invaluable. She truly understands what it’s like to navigate career changes and validates the experience we often overlook. Her guidance makes the RPL process clear, manageable, and meaningful, giving me confidence to take the next steps in my career. She cares about making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Carmen