Purpose

On this page

1. Canadian Armed Forces and VAC Career Transition Services and Education Upgrading
2. Military Occupational Structure Identification Code (MOSID)/National Occupation Code (NOC) Equivalency Tool (MNET)
3. My Skills and Education Translator (MySET)
4. Military Transition Engagements and Partnerships (MTEP)
5. Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit and Career Transition Services
6. Transition to the Federal Public Service
7. Security Clearance Retention
8. Job Bank and Search

Having a sense of purpose is integral to well-being. For many, the sense of purpose and fulfillment is attained through employment, but other meaningful activities (such as volunteering, hobbies, pursuing education) can have the same impact. Participating in fulfilling activities contributes to your health, social integration, and fundamental sense of meaning and identity, as well as providing structure to day-to-day life.

Given that many CAF members transitioning from military to civilian life are still of working age, civilian employment is critical to the well-being of this population. There are many potential issues facing transitioning members including: unemployment, underemployment, translating military skills to the civilian labour market, entering an unfamiliar civilian job market for the first time, and adapting to the civilian workplace culture and leadership style.

Employment is an especially important factor for transitioning members to consider because it has a significant effect on a person’s physical, mental and social health. Paid work provides not only money, but also a sense of identity and purpose, social contacts and opportunities for personal growth. Conditions at work (both physical and psychosocial) can have a profound effect on people’s health and emotional well-being. Participation in the wage economy, however, is only part of the picture.

Ultimately, CAF member whose transition is characterized by engagement with a new and fulfilling job, finding enjoyment and meaning through volunteering, or simply spending more time with their family will have a much easier time finding purpose after service.

The most important aspect of this domain of well-being is to be engaged in activities that are beneficial and meaningful to you.

Some things to consider:

• Did you carefully consider what to do after transitioning from military to civilian life? Have you developed a plan that balances and integrates work, study, community engagement and/or retirement options?
• Do you have several interests, outside of your career, which you are looking forward to pursuing after release (such as hobbies, volunteer work, personal growth, learning, travel, family, etc.)? Do you envision this time of your life to be meaningful and filled with rich experiences? If not, what changes can you make to achieve this?
• Do you know how your military credentials translate into civilian job classifications, skill and authority levels? Are you able to explain this to a potential employer?
• Did you assess and summarize your formal, informal and experiential learningto ensure that they will be recognized after your military career (for example Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR))?
• Are you aware of differences that exist with regards to civilian workplace culture? Are you prepared to adapt successfully?
• Will your spouse/partner be able to find appropriate post-transition employment (if applicable, if moving, if looking for work)?
• Did you assess your education/training needs and interests and identify an appropriate school or learning institutions?
• Did you prepare yourself for civilian job interviews, including learning about different types of interviews and understanding how to communicate your key strengths to a civilian?
• Did you investigate civilian salaries, are you able to highlight your competencies and expertise, and can you successfully negotiate a salary offer that is commensurate with your skills and experience?
• Did you develop a civilian resume that summarizes transferable skills, accomplishments, strengths and management/leadership ability in terms that civilian HR personnel can understand?
• Did you investigate today’s best job search techniques and have you begun to build a solid network of contacts to assist you in your search?
• Did you investigate civilian careers that fit your training and experience and identified a realistic second career option that will provide the personal fulfillment and meaning you need?
• Did you investigate labour market trends and have you done a job market analysis (formal or informal) based on your qualifications and career aspirations?

Canadian Armed Forces and VAC Career Transition Services and Education Upgrading

The purpose of the CAF Transition Seminars and workshops is to assist military personnel and their families in planning and preparing for their transition from the CAF to civilian life. These services include:

• My Transition Seminars;
• Long Term Planning (LTP) seminars;
• Career Transition Workshops (CTW); and
• Individual career and education counselling.

In addition to these services, three education reimbursement programs are available to you during your career, if you require educational upgrading.

My Transition Seminars

My Transition Seminar – General

This seminar aims to prepare CAF members for post-military life, whether their transition plan is to seek full-time civilian employment, completely retire, or anything in between. My Transition Seminars - General are applicable to all CAF members, ideally 3 to 5 years prior to their targeted release date. This seminar covers information pertinent to all members. Presentations typically include information on pensions, financial planning, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and an overview of a variety of release administration and benefits.

My Transition Seminar – Medical

This seminar aims to prepare ill and injured CAF members for post-military life, whether their transition plan is to seek full-time civilian employment, completely retire, or anything in between. My Transition Seminars – Medical are applicable to any CAF member who is undergoing, or likely to undergo, a medical release from the CAF. Topics include information on medical benefits and services to assist ill and injured members as they navigate the release process and help their transition to civilian life.

My Transition Seminar – Executive

This seminar aims to prepare senior officers for post-military life, whether their transition plan is to seek full-time civilian employment, completely retire, or anything in between. My Transition Seminars – Executive are by invitation and tailored to officers of the rank of Capt(N)/Col or above. Presentations typically include information on pensions, financial planning, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and an overview of a variety of release administration and benefits. In addition, this Executive Seminar provides more specific content geared towards conflicts of interest and post-employment obligations. These events are only offered within the National Capital Region, or via online platforms.

Online My Transition Seminars

If you or a member of your family are unable to participate in a My Transition Seminar, you can still access much of the information presented at the physical seminars through the Online My Transition Seminar platform. Online My Transition Seminars can be accessed in both official languages.

Canadian Armed Forces Career Transition Workshops (CTW)

CAF members are afforded the opportunity to attend Career Transition Workshops (CTW) that prepare them to undertake all aspects of job searching to increase their success in obtaining civilian employment post-release.

• Self Assessment: participants reflect on acquired skills accumulated throughout their careers and consider aspects of employment that are of most value and interest to them. Reflection upon personality traits and the domains of well-being (finances, social integration, life skills, housing and physical environment, cultural and social environment, health, and purpose) help shape future employment prospects.
• Resume Writing: participants will be provided with baseline information on how to write a resume. This includes an overview of the sections of a resume and cover letter, critical information to include or exclude, various styles of resumes, formatting, and tips on how to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the position to which they are applying.
• Job Search: participants will review best practices on how and where to seek future employment opportunities. This includes public and private sector jobs, triaging search engines and using employment firms. This module also focuses on communications, networking, and creating a 30 second pitch.
• Interview Techniques: participants will be provided with information on how to prepare for an interview and best practices for post-interview success. This module includes sample interview questions and tips on how to approach them. Participants will be afforded the opportunity to practice common interview questions and reflect on areas upon which they need to improve.

Canadian Armed Forces Long Term Planning (LTP) Seminars

CAF members are provided with the opportunity to participate in long-term planning as it relates to their education, CAF career, and retirement goals.

These seminars are designed to engage the CAF in topics that usually include, but are not limited to:

• Financial and budget planning;
• Wills and estates;
• CAF pensions and benefits;
• SISIP; and
• CAF career development.

All CAF members are encouraged to attend these seminars within the first 10 years of military service. They are conducted by TPSOs and TTs at local TCs.

Individual Career and Education Counselling

Your local TPSO provides one-on-one counselling and expertise on the following topics:

• In-service selection such as Occupation Transfer and Commissioning plans;
• Education upgrading;
• Information on education reimbursement benefits;
• Assistance with job search techniques and tools; and
• Recommendations to assist with your vocational rehabilitation plan, if applicable.

Canadian Armed Forces Self Development Program (CAFSDP)

The CAFSDP is available for all members who are looking to improve upon their educational and professional competencies. The SDP will be reviewed by CDA to confirm that the requested course is in the interest of the CAF, provided by a recognized educational institution, and is within the member's career maximum allowance. Once the course has been endorsed and funding is approved, members will receive reimbursement for their course once they provide proof of successful completion. Members may submit CAFSDP request under the following distinct programs: Regular Force, Primary Reserve, Skills Completion Program and the Regular Force Ill and Injured.

To be reimbursed, you must have a registered SDP approved prior to the commencement of each course. To submit an application, you will need to complete an online request through Military Personnel Generation (MILPERSGEN) (Accessible only on the National Defence network).

For further information on the CAFSDP, please see CF Mil Pers Instr 01/21 (Accessible only on the National Defence network).

MT 101

This education/training set of online modules is available to all CAF members at any time and it is highly recommended as the information contained within each module can assist in deepening your understanding of transition and developing your Transition Plan. For more information, access the DLN login page(Accessible only on the National Defence network).

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Military Occupational Structure Identification Code (MOSID)/National Occupation Code (NOC) Equivalency Tool (MNET)

The CAF TG has developed an online tool that assists in translating your military occupation into the equivalent civilian occupation. This is done through a direct link with the national Job Bank database. It is both a Military to Civilian and Civilian to Military job translator. The Military Occupational Structure Identification Code (MOSID)/National Occupation Code (NOC) Equivalency Tool (MNET) can be accessed online.

MNET data is based on the CAF job-based specifications and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) list of civilian occupations, known as the NOC catalogue.

The NOC catalogue is the official resource for job information in Canada, providing a standard catalogue of more than 30,000 job titles into 500 unit groups, organized according to skill levels and skill types. All military jobs are cross-referenced against each NOC for the purpose of defining related civilian job fields.

Associating your MOSID to civilian NOC, will help you translate knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA), gained during your military career, to civilian terms. Some MOSIDs may have several NOCs associated with a military occupation. This reflects a variety of tasks and duties that a CAF member may perform or acquire within an occupation.

Military years of service will also define the level of leadership experience, time management, supervisory, and organizational skills needed. These are other KSAs common to all military jobs and are directly translated to the civilian labour market.

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My Skills and Education Translator (MySET)

The CAF TG has developed an online system that translates military skills, education, and training into civilian education/training credits or qualifications. The My Skills and Education Translator (MySET) can be accessed online.

MySET aims to assist CAF members in a career transition by providing a centralized resource that can be used to identify which Post-Secondary Institutions (PSI) recognize prior learning for military skills and education. This may be in the form of a civilian equivalency, accreditation of specific occupation training, education, experience or a combination thereof.

MySET provides a centralized digital platform that allows PSI to present their academic offerings for recognition of your military training and education.

Each academic institution within MySET provides offerings for the qualifications and training that CAF members receive during their careers. As academic institutions are independent from one another, they have separate assessment processes for credit recognition that is unique to each institution. As such they may not offer a credit for the qualifications that you seek. While you may not have found a specific credit offering related to your qualifications, we recommend that you still contact the academic institution of your choice and ask if they will recognize or offer a credit for that qualification itself.

Each academic institution on MySET was brought on individually, but the current list of academic institutions for MySET is not final! MySET is a living tool and will continue to grow as time goes on. More academic institutions will continue to on-board onto MySET in the future, which will provide a more robust and complete recognition of military training and qualifications. In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to reach out to the academic institution that you want to have your qualifications recognized, and introduce them to the MySET tool.

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Military Transition Engagements and Partnerships (MTEP)

MTEP has developed a National Resource Directory (NRD), which is an openly accessible and interactive database available at the DTC, which contains a menu of organizations that are offering support for each domain of well-being in the military transition space. You can explore the NRD to determine which organizations can best support your transition goals.

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Veterans Affairs Canada Education and Training Benefit and Career Transition Services

Career Transition Services (CTS) from VAC:

• CAF members and Veterans can participate in CTS from VAC at any time during their lifetime, if they meet the eligibility requirements.
• Spouses and common-law partners can participate in CTS from VAC for a 2-year period after the Veteran releases from the CAF.
• VAC’s Career Transition Services are accessible and flexible: participate, pause and return at anytime if you are still eligible.
• CTS participants are connected with qualified career professionals who provide customized services that can include career counselling, help with resuméwriting, job-searching, interview preparation and - in some cases, job-placement.

Veterans can also rely on CTS for help with their Education & Training Benefit applications, and for guidance in selecting an education program/institution.

You can participate in CTS by phone, videoconference, via the 24/7 secure web portal with 16 online modules and a live web chat.

Find out more and apply for VAC’s Career Transition Services in your My VAC Account, on the Career Transition Services web page. You can also call VAC Toll Free at 1-866-522-2122.

The Education and Training Benefit (ETB) from VAC

The ETB from VAC can help you achieve your education and career goals as a Veteran. Whether you are furthering your education journey or beginning a new one, this is the perfect place to start.

Veterans are not limited to formal post-secondary training. The benefit may also be used for a career or personal development courses that provide Veterans with a sense of purpose and job satisfaction.

To be eligible for the ETB you:

• Must have been honorably released from the CAF (Reg F or Res F) on or after April 1, 2006, or transferred to the Supplementary Reserve on or after 1 April 2018; and
• Must have a minimum amount of CAF service – for example:
  • Those with at least six years (2191 paid days) of service are eligible to receive up to $46,196.15* ; and
  • Those with at least twelve years (4382 paid days) of service are eligible to receive up to $92,392.30* .
  • Must access funding within 10 years of your release/transfer date.
    *Indexed annually according to consumer price index (CPI). Current ETB amounts can be accessed online.
    Note: Except for members of the Supplementary Reserve, still serving CAF members are not eligible to receive this benefit prior to release.

An application for a still-serving member will not be processed until they officially release, or transfer to the Supp Res when information on their release date, final paid days of service, and release status are available to support a decision by VAC.

If funding from the ETB is a requirement for you to go to school, we recommend that you plan your program start date to give VAC time to provide you with a decision. VAC will require approximately 8 weeks for an eligibility decision and 4 weeks to review and make a decision on your Education Plan.

If you’re not sure what education path to pursue, consider applying for VAC’s Career Transition Services (CTS) first. CTS provides access to a trained Employment Coach to help you find your best educational or training path based on your career and personal goals. They can also help you identify an appropriate start date for your program based on your release date and the time it will take to receive a decision from VAC on your eligibility for ETB and your program plan.

Visit the Education and Training Benefits page for additional information, including how to apply for this benefit.

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Transition to the Federal Public Service

The Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) contains specific provisions to help transitioning CAF members and Veterans access federal public service job opportunities.

If you are thinking about applying for a job with the federal public service, here is what you should know.

Priority Entitlement

• You may have a priority entitlement if you have been medically released from the CAF (under item 3(a) or 3(b)).
• Persons with a priority entitlement need only meet the essential qualifications referred to in PSEA 30(2)(a) and the conditions of employment of the position in order to be appointed. They are not required to meet any other merit criteria, such as asset qualifications, operational requirements or current or future organizational needs.
• More information on priority entitlement can be found at the following links:
  • Orientation Program: Persons with a Priority Entitlement
  • Career Hub for the Priority Talent Pool
• Veterans and CAF members eligible for the Priority Entitlement should call CAF TG at 1-800-883-6094 or send an email to CAFTG-GTFAC@forces.gc.ca for more information or to start the activation process.

Preference

• Preference means Veterans with a minimum of three years of service who have applied and are found to be qualified for a job open to the public must be hired ahead of other qualified Canadians.
• Preference is in effect for up to five years after honorable release, if you are not already employed in the public service.
• Preference is given after all qualified persons with a priority entitlement are hired.

Mobility

• Mobility allows you to apply to advertised jobs that are open only to federal public service employees.
• Serving CAF members: you must have a minimum of 3 years of service. You will always have mobility while you are serving.
• Honorably released Veterans: you must have a minimum of 3 years of service. You will have mobility for up to 5 years following your release.
• Visit the priority entitlements webpage for additional information.

Employment Equity

• You can apply to internal jobs regardless of what is in the “Who can apply” section of the job advertisement, but you must meet any employment equity criteria (Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities or women) if it's included in that section.
• Please visit the self-declaration webpage for information on how and why you should self-declare as an employment equity group member for hiring purposes.

Official Languages

• A job advertisement will indicate English Essential, French Essential, Bilingual or Various linguistic profiles. For bilingual positions, language skills in your second official language are assessed through a series of specific tests designed for reading, writing, and oral interaction. You may be assessed even if you have a Second Language Profile from your military service.
• Please see the following web site for information on second language assessments: Second Language Evaluation in the Public Service

Please visit the CAF members and veterans services information page for more information on priority entitlements, preference, mobility and the federal public service hiring process.

How to Apply on GC Jobs

To create an account, and apply for a job, visit the GC Jobs information page.

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Security Clearance Retention

The Treasury Board of Canada is responsible for issuing policy direction and guidance on security screening for the Federal Public Service and CAF.

Transfer

Valid reliability status and security clearances for DND employees can be directly transferred to other federal departments and agencies. However, due to the unique nature of the organization, it is not possible to directly transfer a clearance profile from the CAF to the federal government. Instead, the Personnel Security Screening Office will complete a process called a Reactivation.

Reactivation and Expiry

A reliability status may be reactivated within two years, and a security clearance within 12 months without the requirement to redo security screening if the following conditions are met:

• DND employee or CAF member has terminated employment or service, or taken a leave of absence with the government and subsequently returned; and
  • There is no adverse information; or
  • There is no security waiver on file.

The military-to-civilian Reactivation process is coordinated by your new employer. They will give you the direction and paperwork that you need to navigate the Reactivation process successfully, so all you need to do is follow their instructions. The process is the same whether your employment is with another government department or as a civilian within DND.

However, the one factor that your new employer will not be able to help you with is the timeline. If you wait too long and allow your screening profile to expire, you will have to completely redo part or even all of the screening procedure. This can delay the start of a new job by several months, so it’s very important to start planning your Reactivation early. The following section will outline the different timelines to be aware of, as the different types of clearance are valid for different amounts of time.

• Reliability: Your reliability status is valid for a maximum of 10 years during service, but can only remain valid for up to 2 years post-release. As such, the two main scenarios are:
  • If your break in employment, meaning the length of time between your date of release and your new job, is less than 2 years, a reliability screening update will be required; or
  • If your break in employment is more than 2 years, a new reliability screening will be required.
• Security Clearance: Your security clearance is valid for a maximum of 10 years during service, aside from Top Secret, which is only valid for 5 years. However, your clearance can only remain valid for up to 1 year post-release. As such, there are four main scenarios that can occur:
  • If your break in employment is less than a 1 year and your security clearance is still valid (not older than 10 years, or 5 years for Top Secret), only a reliability screening update will be required;
  • If your break in employment is less than a 1 year but your clearance is NOT valid: both a reliability screening update and a security clearance update will be required;
  • If your break in employment is between 1 and 2 years, both a reliability screening update and a new security clearance screening will be required; and
  • If your break in employment is more than 2 years, both a new reliability screening and a new security clearance screening will be required.

If your reactivation period has elapsed, and if there has been no activity on your file, your security status or clearance will expire. If you attempt to reintegrate into the federal government or participate in a government contract after this period, you will have to undergo an initial security screening process to meet the condition of employment, which can take several additional months.

CAF to the Private Sector

Companies in the private sector sometimes provide contracted work for DND, which will require security screening. All contracts through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to work within a GOC Department will require the same security screening procedures as above. Contract to work in the private sector may or may not require security screening.

All security screening activities will be coordinated by PSPC in both cases. If you will be working for one of these companies, simply note that your employer will coordinate your security screening with the PSPC on your behalf. PSPC may contact DND to your old security screening profile to expedite the screening process.

Finally, if you do not yet know where you will be working post-release but still want to retain your security clearance to keep your options open, you also have the option of reaching out to a private company that does business with the Federal Government, such as Calian or AGDA Group. These companies will often hold onto your security clearance free of charge, but note that this can take up to 10 months to be processed. Starting this process as early as possible - ideally while you are still in service - is recommended.

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Job Bank and Search

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a free, nation-wide, bilingual employment website that provides access to timely, reliable and comprehensive job market information from both public and private sector jobs to help Canadians make informed career decisions.

Job Bank advertises public and private sector jobs that enables browsing by using filters to narrow down options and find a specific job posting and organizations of interest. Other services are also available such as career planning, skill assessment, job alerts, jobs match and resume builders. Through this database, members can access thousands of jobs across the country, tailored to their specific skill sets.

To access these services, visit the Job Bank webpage.

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