As you’re nearing the end of your military service commitment, the SkillBridge program can help you discover your next career move.

The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is an opportunity for separating or retiring service members to learn a new skill or enhance their current occupational skill for a career in the civilian work sector.

Angela Daniels, a training management specialist in the Base Education and Training at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, said SkillBridge matches civilian opportunities to the service member’s job training and work experience to make them more marketable after their military career ends.

The Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center, also known as the Georgia VECTR Center in Warner Robins, Georgia, serves as a Skillbridge training provider, approved by DoD to provide job training.

Trish Ross is the chief operating officer at the VECTR Center near Robins, where she formerly served as 78th Air Base Wing vice commander before taking her current position. Ross said the center works with Central Georgia Technical College in Middle Georgia to provide those in the SkillBridge program with college credit-based training in high-demand career fields.

The Georgia VECTR Center has 11 approved programs through Skillbridge, including Welding, Air Conditioning, Electrical Construction, Industrial Maintenance, Sisco Networking, Warehouse and Inventory Control, and Commercial Truck Driving.

Additionally, the Georgia VECTR Center offers four test-prep/boot camps, including Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Power Plant, and cyber security certifications in Network +, Security +, and Certified Ethical Hacker.

Ross said her center uses the military training model, where military members attend training 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the goal of completing classes in 15 weeks or less.

Ross said under Skillbridge, VECTR and Robins team up to bring military members from around the world to Middle Georgia to set them up for career success in the civilian sector.

 “We could not do this without Robins Air Force Base,” she said. “We work not only with the local education office on base, but we also work with transition programs across the globe.”

Daniels said the program sets separating military members up for success.

Enlisted service members and officers of any rank may apply for SkillBridge. The service member must be able to complete the program within the individual’s last 180 days of military service and have his or her unit commander’s written authorization and approval to participate.

“Service members can start the application process 12 months prior to their approved date of separation or retirement date that is reflected in the Military Personnel Data System, but no later than 30 days prior to the first day of training start date,” Daniels said.

Service members can be at ease knowing that companies authorized for SkillBridge are legitimate and value their expertise, dedication and service, Daniels said.

For more information on SkillBridge, visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil/ or contact Daniels in the Education and Training Office at (478)-327-3406 or by email: [email protected].