SkillBridge Overview 

What is SkillBridge? 

SkillBridge is a valuable program through the Department of Defense designed to help transitioning service members bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers. SkillBridge facilitates opportunities for eligible service members to participate in job training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of active duty.   

SkillBridge Enhances employment prospect by providing practical work experience and skills. This program provides an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. 

How does it work? 

On-the-job training is offered to eligible service members via unpaid internship to develop job/employment skills training to assist in gaining employment in the civilian sector. Service members continue to receive full military pay and benefits. Industry partners do not pay service members and they are not responsible for workers’ compensation coverage for employment-related injuries. 

What is the process for employers? 

Approximately 200,000 members leave active duty each year stationed in over 140 military installations in the U.S. and overseas. Participating employers gain early access to extensive experience, skills and unmatched work ethic that service members bring to the workforce. Employers craft SkillBridge programs and training plans to meet their specific needs.  

This on-the-job training offered to eligible service members to develop job/employment skills training to assist in gaining employment in the civilian sector.  The participating service members continue to receive full military pay and benefits. Industry partners do not pay service members and they are not responsible for workers’ compensation coverage for employment-related injuries. 

Points of Contact:   

[email protected] 

Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives:    

Other resources: