Are you a company in the Catawba County area looking to tap into top-tier talent? Or perhaps you’re a transitioning military member seeking valuable civilian work experience? If so, the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Program is something you should know about!
What is the SkillBridge Program?
The DoD SkillBridge Program connects transitioning Service members with industry partners for specific training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. This program aims to provide Service members with valuable civilian work experience and help employers find skilled labor, making the transition from military to civilian life smoother and more rewarding.
Recent Updates to the Program
Effective July 15, 2024, the Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO) has implemented changes to the SkillBridge partner application process to modernize and enhance industry partnership agreements. Here are some key updates:
- Revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Strengthens the SkillBridge Program by safeguarding against predatory behavior and ensuring quality training and employment opportunities for Service members.
- End of Rolling Enrollment: Applications for new Industry Partners must be received by July 15, 2024, to be processed under the new structure. After this date, applications will be accepted during structured enrollment periods:
- Fall Enrollment: October 1 – December 1
- Spring Enrollment: February 1 – April 1
- New Partner Requirements: Prospective partners must have been established for at least three years, offer a minimum salary of $52,000 per year or $25 per hour, and accept a minimum number of candidates annually based on their organizational size.
- Existing Partners: Those in good standing with expired MOUs will have their agreements automatically extended through September 30, 2024.
Why Should Your Company Participate?
HKY4Vets has utilized the SkillBridge program twice, with our current Director of Operations, Adam Sides, and our former Director, Niels Larsen. This program has allowed us to benefit from exceptional talent at no cost, significantly impacting our organization and driving our current success. The SkillBridge Program is an incredible opportunity for companies to access top-level talent and for Service members to gain valuable work experience.
How Can You Get Involved?
Prospective SkillBridge organizations are encouraged to attend bi-weekly information sessions on the new partner application process. For more details or assistance, visit the SkillBridge website at skillbridge.osd.mil.
About the DoD SkillBridge Program
The DoD SkillBridge Program provides Service members with valuable civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. It connects Service members with industry partners looking for skilled labor, enhancing the transition from military to civilian employment.
By participating in the SkillBridge Program, you’re not just gaining highly skilled employees; you’re also supporting our transitioning Service members in their journey to civilian life. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
