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The Employer's SkillBridge Blueprint
Train transitioning service members for the jobs you can't fill — while the Department of Defense pays their salary.
Fall enrollment for new employer partners is open Oct 1 – Dec 1, 2026. Next window: Feb 1 – Apr 1, 2027.
Closes Dec 1 at 11:59 pm ET
How It Works
DoD pays, you train
Service members can join an approved employer training program for up to their final 180 days of service. DoD continues their pay and benefits.
No cost to participate
There is no fee to become a partner. Your cost is the time and resources to deliver training.
Try before you hire
You get months to evaluate skills, work habits, and fit before making an offer.
Is SkillBridge a Fit?
DoD looks for employers that:
- Have a clearly defined training program that prepares participants for a real civilian role
- Can show a high probability of a job being available at the end of the program
- Are in an in-demand industry with room for advancement
SkillBridge is not free labor. DoD has tightened employer vetting and expects programs to lead to real job offers.
Roles That Translate Well
| Role | Relevant Military Experience |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Technician | Aircraft, vehicle, and equipment maintenance; troubleshooting; preventive maintenance |
| Operations Supervisor | Team leadership, operational planning, personnel management |
| Logistics Coordinator | Supply chain, transportation, inventory management |
| IT Support Specialist | Networks, communications systems, help desk |
| Project Manager | Mission planning, resource coordination, execution |
| Warehouse Supervisor | Supply operations, inventory accountability, distribution |
| Quality Control Technician | Inspections, compliance, technical documentation |
| Field Service Technician | Equipment repair, diagnostics, field maintenance |
| Safety Coordinator | Risk assessments, safety procedures, hazard prevention |
| Production Supervisor | Personnel leadership, process management |
Start with one hard-to-fill role. Expand once it works.
Step-by-Step: Becoming an Approved Partner
- 1
Review the DoD Industry Partner toolkit: Training Plan Matrix, Competency Matrix, Job Description Template, Stakeholder (OARPi) Table, and Questionnaire Preview.
Open the official Industry Partner toolkit - 2
Complete the required SkillBridge Employer Ethics Brief.
- 3
Attend a New Partner Application information session (recommended).
- 4
During open enrollment, submit the Inquiry Form on the official SkillBridge site. You'll receive a link to the full application.
- 5
Complete the application. Prepare answers in advance — the system can time out, and don't use the browser back button.
- 6
DoD reviews your application. If approved, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- 7
Become listed as an authorized partner on the official SkillBridge site and get access to the content management system to post programs and opportunities. Attend the CMS training.
- 8
Recruit participants. Each service member must get written approval from their commander before starting.
Rules Employers Must Know
Do not pay participants
Service members are not eligible for wages or benefits from the employer during SkillBridge — DoD covers them.
No agreements before approval
Never enter a SkillBridge agreement with a service member before you have a signed DoD MOU and the member's commander has approved in writing.
Choose the right training setting
Training can be on-site, on a military installation, or virtual.
Plan within the service window
Maximum window is the member's final 180 days of service; programs can be shorter. Service-specific limits apply.
Build in some flexibility
Participant approval isn't guaranteed — command can deny based on mission needs. Plan for some drop-off.
Your First 90 Days
Days 1–30
Pick one hard-to-fill role, name a hiring manager champion, draft the job description and competency list.
Days 31–60
Build the training plan (weekly schedule, skills, assessments), complete the ethics brief, submit the inquiry during open enrollment.
Days 61–90
Finalize the application, build a SkillBridge page on your own careers site, line up onboarding.
A dedicated, accurate SkillBridge page on your own website helps applicants find your program and understand how to apply.
This is a preparation plan, not a guarantee of approval within 90 days.
SkillBridge Employer FAQ
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