Vanguard Magazine

18 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 www.vanguardcanada.com R E C R U I T M E N T The IDEaS Challenge: A unique opportunity for profound impact Within the landscape of military-to-civilian transition, the CAF recognizes the need for innovative solutions to facilitate a seamless and supportive experience for current serv- ing members, veterans and their families. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the vast amount of information and nu- merous third-party organizations involved in the transition process, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Cana- dian Armed Forces (CAF) initiated an in- novation challenge titled 'Navigating Your Next Chapter - The Transition Back to Civilian Life'. Under the umbrella of Inno- vation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS), this challenge seeks to leverage technological innovation to virtualize the transition experience. The competition aims to foster mean- ingful discussions regarding ongoing ef- forts and potential improvements in sup- porting veterans' transition to civilian life. It prompts our collective responsibility to continue enhancing programs, services, and collaborations that empower veter- ans to seamlessly reintegrate into civilian careers using the latest technological ad- vancements available. Inspired by the challenge posed, WithY- ouWithMe sought to work alongside the CAF and VAC as they digitize the tradi- tional Transition Center concept and facili- tate faster and easier information sharing on support services between departments, units and individuals, and ultimately, to improve employment and education out- comes for military veterans. The project sought to achieve three key outcomes: 1. Help CAF members, veterans and their families access and process the vast volume of information related to their transition. 2. Facilitate information sharing between CAF members, veterans and their fami- lies, and the various organizations in- volved in the transition. 3. Provide DND/CAF and VAC with the ability to assess the value of various ser- vices provided by third-party organiza- tions. Additionally, the transition centre would provide veterans with free psychometric and aptitude testing to match their existing skills and personality type to careers in the technology sector. Veterans would subse- quently be offered free training through WithYouWithMe's Potential platform to develop sought-after digital skills in areas like cyber security, software development and data analytics. The digital transition center Three years on, the digital transition centre has become a go-to resource for Canadian veterans and their families, simplifying ser- vices access, streamlining the exchange of information between stakeholders and en- abling the assessment of third-party servic- es to optimize support for CAF members. And alongside the University of British Columbia, WithYouWithMe was named as a finalist in the IDEaS Challenge, standing out among 30 submissions. The transformative journey undertaken by WithYouWithMe as the innovation chal- lenge continues reflects a firm commitment to overcoming challenges and championing the cause of veterans' successful integration into civilian workplaces through innovative and impactful solutions. It's a project I'm incredibly proud to be a part of. If we're successful in the IDEaS Chal- lenge, WithYouWithMe will take this in- valuable opportunity, with the help of our partners at CAF and VAC, to continue to expand the capability of the digital tran- sition centre and build a lasting solution that will redefine the future for those who have served. Will Simmons is partner at WithYouWithMe. The transformative journey undertaken by WithYouWithMe as the innovation challenge continues reflects a firm commitment to overcoming challenges and championing the cause of veterans' successful integration into civilian workplaces through innovative and impactful solutions.

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