SkillBridge for Employers
The U.S. Defense Department’s SkillBridge program is a nationwide initiative that allows transitioning service members to spend the last six months of their tours of duty serving in internships at a variety of private businesses. This pipeline of skilled and dedicated service members is a meaningful pathway to employment in civilian life.
Iowa Workforce Development was recently approved to become a third-party administrator for SkillBridge in Iowa, making it easier for employers to bring on the program and offer it for their own business.
Recap: IWD Lunch and Learn
IWD recently held a virtual lunch & learn to talk about how SkillBridge can support Iowa employers. Watch a recap here.
Program Benefits and Expectations
By supporting SkillBridge and using it to recruit transitioning service members for their business, Iowa employers can expect:
- The Defense Department will pay a service member’s salary and benefits for up to six months while that person receives on-the-job training at the business.
- Employers will be able to train and evaluate a potential employee at no cost and with no obligation. Employers will have direct access to hardworking, mission-driven service members looking for a career opportunity after leaving service.
- Training programs must meet U.S Department of Defense guidelines (as determined by Iowa Workforce Development).
Other Resources
SkillBridge is just one of many ongoing efforts by IWD to ease the path for transitioning service members and make it easier for them to connect with new careers in Iowa.
- HomeBase Iowa (HBI) works to attract Veterans and their families to Iowa by providing one-on-one career assistance and connecting them to special incentives provided by more than 125 HBI communities. (HBI-registered employers also can gain access to a special database of Veteran job candidates through IowaWORKS.gov. Click the above link for more information.)
- PsychArmor also has partnered with HBI for a Business Training Program that helps employers understand military culture and what to expect from new Veteran employees. For more information, contact Home Base Iowa.
Get Started
As a new administrator of SkillBridge in Iowa, IWD wants to hear from you and help you offer this unique program in your own business. Currently, 37 employers in the state are offering the program for outgoing service members, but we believe the number can be much higher. Get started on SkillBridge by clicking the link below or emailing IWD at skillbridge@iwd.iowa.gov.
Contact Us About SkillBridge
Whether you're an employer looking to start the program or a transitioning service member, IWD is here to help.
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319