Providing stability for a Navy veteran and his young family

Prior to his career at JLL, Brendon was an Aviation Technician and Helicopter Aircrewman with the Royal Australian Navy. Like most Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, he was faced with unique and challenging moments.

“Perspectives gained from a Navy helicopter with the door wide open were surreal and diverse,” he recounts.

Some of Brendon’s responsibilities included search and rescue, naval aviation warfare and helicopter utility operations - all of which required precision and proficiency. 

“Military service can be challenging on families, especially with deployment at short notice. With a young family myself, I made the choice to seek an opportunity that was adaptable to my service history and afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the ADF as a civilian.”

Now living and working in the Shoalhaven Region on the South Coast of NSW, Brendon is a Project Manager on Defence’s Estate Works Program. During his time in the ADF, he was first exposed to JLL as a well-regarded delivery partner on his own estate. Brendon’s JLL career then began as unit-endorsed work experience while he was still enlisted. Following 21 days in a regional JLL office, he was sure of his decision to shift into civilian employment, applying for a position as Assistant Project Manager.

“I was required to remain with the ADF for four months prior to my discharge. JLL was supportive in this process and retained the role until I was formally available to commence.”

Brendon’s experience within the ADF is invaluable and helps inform his role, which is responsible for delivering projects across three operational Defence Estates.

While utilising his past skillset to support Defence’s evolving capabilities, Brendon is enjoying looking to the future, noting that he is encouraged to be ambitious and seek opportunities for personal growth.

“From the commencement of my career, JLL has recognised my veteran status and provided excellent professional development opportunities aligned with my experience and career goals.”

Alongside being positioned in a familiar environment, Brendon has had the support of connecting with other veterans employed within the company through invitations to attend veteran-based events.

“And despite the size of the company, each person I have met - regardless of their position - takes the time to introduce themselves and have a chat.”

He also greatly values the work/life balance he now has, saying, “It was important to me to find a work location that provided consistency to my family and I, post military service.”

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