Why Idaho Employers should become a SkillBridge Host
Help our actively serving military transition into the civilian workforce
What is SkillBridge?
SkillBridge is a Department of Defense program, available nationwide, that gives transitioning military service members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian workforce experience through internships and training with approved employers.
If approved, the transitioning service member can participate in SkillBridge during the last 180 days of service. During this time, the member is still earning their military pay and receiving medical coverage, but is released to work in a civilian organization without having to report for military duty during their internship.
What does that mean for Idaho employers?
Now more than ever, Idaho employers need to attract and retain skilled workers. As an employer, the benefit is more than twofold: Not only will you have a highly capable and adaptable intern, you will also have the opportunity to grow your workforce with members that have been exposed to your organization’s operations, all while giving back to those that serve by offering them real-world training and work experience.
“Access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost”
It’s estimated that at least 200,000 military members transition out of the service each year. Mission43’s goal is to spread awareness of the SkillBridge program to Idaho business leaders and professionals to make Idaho a welcoming state as veterans and their families transition out of the military.
What types of positions are eligible?
SkillBridge opportunities should have the intent to provide service members with job training and career development experience to better prepare them with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. There should be a high probability that the participant will gain post-service employment with either your organization or any other employer in a similar industry. However, there is no required commitment on your part to hire the participant upon SkillBridge completion. You can register as one or more of the following:
Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: A registered Department of Labor or accredited certificate program with the combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction under the supervision of a trade official in an industry-related sponsor organization.
Employment Skills Training (EST)/On the Job Training(OJT): Employee training and/or tasks learned at a workplace while performing the job. EST and OJT programs must be previously registered as an OJT provider with the VA, accredited by an accrediting agency or recognized by the Department of Education, approved by National Association of State Approving Agencies, OR accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Internships (most common): A system of on-the-job training offered by a provider to eligible service members to develop job and employment skills that helps them gain employment in the civilian sector. Internships can be completed in Federal, State, or local government, or the private sector.
Click here to find out more about eligible opportunities.
How to sign up
There is no local gatekeeper to the SkillBridge program. As a DoD program, this is available nationwide. The sign-up process can take as little as 30 minutes:
Click here to visit the Department of Defense SkillBridge employer partner page,
Click “How to Participate” to fill out the initial questionnaire. Use the contact information for the designated person/department in your organization that will be handling SkillBridge Inquiries.
You have the option to specify if you are seeking a member of a certain rank. You can always change this answer at a later time, but if you are unsure at the time of filling out the initial form, we recommend you choose either “any enlisted or officer” or “unknown.” Contact us below to find out more about the differences in military ranks!
Once you submit the initial form, A DoD representative will email you with the follow-up questionnaire and MOU.
You will need to complete and submit the additional questionnaire and MOU to be added to the SkillBridge provider list. The DoD provides a helpdesk contact email for you to check on updates throughout the process.
Use this questionnaire preview to prepare for welcoming a SkillBridge intern or trainee. This document contains all of the questions that will be asked about your SkillBridge program.
Find out more by visiting the FAQ page.
“It may seem too good to be true, but there is no catch except the opportunity to catch the best talent entering the civilian labor force each year.”
At the time of publishing this blog, there are only 26 approved SkillBridge providers across the state. We can do better, Idaho! Mission43 is here to support you through the application process and can assist with building out your SkillBridge program to welcome highly skilled military professionals as interns… all at no cost to you.
Need Assistance signing up? We’re here to help!
Contact us today and a specialist will reach out to assist you!