9.8.8 Vocational Rehabilitation Case Studies

Case study 1

A Leading Aircraftman Supplier with six year service in the Supplier mustering has transferrable skills in stores work. The former member's ability to utilise those skills is limited by a chronic knee injury suffered while playing inter-service rugby. The former member then undertook a Certificate IV in Warehousing and Logistics. With some recognition of prior learning this course took six months to complete. At the end of the course the former member obtained employment as the Assistant Manager of a warehouse for a major food retailer.

Case study 2

A former SAS soldier, with an accepted back injury, had transferrable skills that would enable him to pursue a range of employment options in the Security industry. However the former soldier also had the aptitude and interest to work in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Prior to joining the SAS he had worked as an IT Project Manager. He was very keen to pursue a 4-year undergraduate degree. A comprehensive labour market analysis was undertaken by the rehabilitation service provider in consultation with the client. It was agreed that given the nature of the client's back injury, his employment and earning capacity was suited to pursuing employment in the IT industry.

The labour market analysis included a comprehensive investigation of available training options, and it was subsequently agreed that the client should undertake a Diploma in Information Technology. The course was available on a self-paced learning basis as soon as the client was ready to commence. An alternative 2-year Diploma course at a local TAFE college was also considered. The choice of university course was considered justified because of the level of qualifications, field work and job placement service the educational facility provided for their graduates.

Case study 3

A former Air Force (registered) Nurse was medically discharged due to a back injury that prevented her from continuing to work as a Nurse and undertaking her military duties. Upon discharge, a Graduate Diploma in Community and Health Development was approved as part of her overall rehabilitation. At the end of the year she was able to obtain employment as a Nurse Communicator, with an ability to earn very close to the former military salary.

Case study 4

A former Flight Lieutenant was medically discharged due to a generalised anxiety disorder which impacted on his ability to continue his military career. His rehabilitation goal was to undertake a law degree, to enable him to secure full time employment in the legal system. As part of the rehabilitation assessment, it was recognised that this qualification demonstrated that he had the necessary skills and capacity through his employment history and training to successfully complete the course.

The client's initiative and focus justified the support he received to undertake tertiary studies in law. He was able to receive recognition of prior learning for courses he had undertaken as part of his military training and successfully completed his studies and the graduate requirements of the course. Initially the client experienced some difficulties in securing employment, but with assistance in job seeking, and a self motivated and goal focused approach, the client was able to find full time employment as a Legal Associate. After 3 years his earning capacity was equivalent to that of his ADF salary.