Skillbridge

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

For Service members SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in SkillBridge receive their military compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience.

SkillBridge is an excellent benefit for installation and Unit Commanders who have members about to be discharged from Active Duty. SkillBridge can help Service members bridge the gap between the end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers. Commanders can greatly ease this return to civilian life by supporting their reports’ interest in SkillBridge. When mission permits, Commanders who support SkillBridge participation are helping their personnel find a civilian career with a trusted employer.

Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after unit commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) provides written authorization and approval. These industry partners offer real-world training and work experience in in-demand fields of work while having the opportunity to evaluate the Service member’s suitability for the work.

Spouses

Many of the SkillBridge Authorized partners may also offer pathways to training and employment for Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military Spouses. These programs are not supported financially by DOD but may be offered on terms that differ from those available to other groups.

We encourage military Spouses to explore the SkillBridge locations page and search for the keyword “Spouse” to see SkillBridge partners that have indicated a desire to assist military Spouses as well as Service members.

Military spouses interested in growing your educational and employment opportunities should explore the DOD’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO. As a military spouse, you have access to personal career coaches, financial resources for education, and the opportunity to connect with employers that have committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining military spouses.

Find out more by visiting myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal or contact the SECO Spouse Career Center by calling Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.