Veterans

BGIS is incredibly proud to support the veteran men and women of our armed forces, seeking to harness the skills and value they bring to our workforce through meaningful career opportunities. As a Veteran Employer of Choice through the Veteran Employment Program, an Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs initiative, BGIS has pledged to employ Australian veterans and create an environment where they can perform at their best. Here, we want to share the stories of some of our veterans to assist others who are looking to make the transition from military life to the private sector.

Harrison Hudson: From Infantry to Facilities Management at BGIS

Harrison Hudson spent seven years in the military, experiencing a variety of training activities and exercises, all of which he says prepared him for a long and rewarding career post-separation from the military.

Having recently joined BGIS as a Facilities Manager on the Endeavour Group contract in June 2024, Harrison enjoys the variety of the role and the opportunities it provides to bring his Defence-honed skills to the workplace.

Joining the Army in 2016 as part of the Infantry Corps, Harrison experienced a range of training, from jungle and urban exercises in Buttersworth, Malaysia, to joint training with the US Marines in Darwin. One of his most memorable experiences however, was responding to the bushfires in New Soth Wales and Victoria in 2019-2020. “It was all about helping residents in a time of need. We were based in small communities, clearing debris and assisting farmers with their livestock. It was incredible to be able to help Australians in such a tangible way,” Harrison recalls.

A shoulder injury led to Harrison being medically separated from the Army, giving him a year of rehabilitation and time to reflect on his next steps. He spent that year researching career paths in both Project and Facilities Management, ultimately choosing a role that combined client and stakeholder engagement with office-based work and offered clear opportunities for growth, similar to his time in the Defence Force.

Harrison attended Defence Transition seminars with an open and positive mindset. While his first encounter was discouraging – being told a university degree was necessary to progress in Project Management, he persevered and found his footing in the private sector. His early experience included working on a Public Schools contract with a large Facilities Management company. He now enjoys his role with BGIS on the Endeavour contract, managing facilities such as Dan Murphy’s retail stores.

Reflecting on life in the private sector, Harrison notes that veterans are usually resilient, which allows them to adapt to change and transition successfully, particularly with support from employers like BGIS.

Harrison is a proud member of the BGIS Veteran Advocacy Committee, where he actively contributes to initiatives that enhance the workplace for veterans and their families. He wants to be available both in-person and over the phone to provide support to those considering a career after the military. “Seeing someone who’s been in your shoes gives confidence. It helps you picture what life beyond the military can look like,” he says.

Harrison Hudson harrison.hudson@apac.bgis.com

Ryan Meyer: Bringing the Ethos of Service to Every Project

For Ryan Meyer, service has always been a passion, both in and out of uniform. Having served in the Army Reserves for the past 13 years as a Combat Engineer, Ryan’s journey has taken him across four deployments, each testing him in different ways. From working in remote environments to supporting communities closer to home, those experiences taught him resilience, adaptability, and the power of teamwork when things get tough.

Ryan is a Project Manager at BGIS, with 16 years’ experience in the construction industry, beginning as a qualified carpenter and now delivering complex Defence and commercial projects across South Australia.

Outside his direct service, Ryan has continued to support the Defence community as the South Australian President and State Representative for the Special Operations Engineer Regiment Association (SOER-A). In this role, he helps keep the bonds of service alive – supporting veterans and their families and reminding those who’ve served that they’re never walking their journey alone. “It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my Defence connection,” he says.

When Ryan stepped into the private sector, first through his carpentry trade and now as a Project Manager at BGIS, he quickly realised how much his time in the Reserves had shaped him. “The same mindset that got me through long deployments such as problem-solving under pressure, leading teams through uncertainty, and maintaining high standards, translates directly into the work we do here at BGIS,” he explains.

While the transition wasn’t always straightforward, Ryan says finding a workplace that values veterans has made all the difference. “In Defence, there’s structure and a clear sense of purpose. The private sector can feel looser at times, but being part of a team, such as the one here at BGIS, that understands and respects that service ethos really helps.”

Ryan is proud of the path he’s taken and believes programs that spotlight veterans are vital. “They highlight just how varied and valuable our experiences can be,” he says.

Ryan Meyer ryan.meyer@apac.bgis.com