Skillbridge Training Program Allows Sailors to Intern While Still Active Duty
8 things departing Sailors need to know
05 October 2015
Often the scariest part about getting out of the Navy is deciding what comes next. The Navy offers Transition Goals, Plans and Success (T-GPS), but for some a more solid plan is needed. Starting off at a new company can be overwhelming, and most of the time it's hard to get a foot in the door; and who can afford to internship?
Skillbridge Employment Skills Training Program
What if you could do an internship while still active duty and still collecting a paycheck and benefits? That's exactly what this program allows you to do. Skillbridge connects civilian businesses and companies with training and internship opportunities that offer a high probability of employment with Sailors who are separating, with little or no cost to the Sailor.
What You Need To Know
1. You need command approval. The command will be taking a gapped billet as your position will not be able to be filled while you are interning, so the commanding officer has final approval and will need to consider the impact on the command. If at any time the need of the Navy or command changes - or the company considers your participation unsatisfactory - you will be required to return from the program.
2. You must have completed at least 180 days of active duty (with an honorable discharge or general under honorable conditions discharge) and expected to be discharged within 180 days of the start of the program. You must have sufficient time left to complete the program. The intent is that you complete the entire program while still on active duty.
3. You must meet standards. You need to pass the last PFA and be within standards. You must be recommended for advancement and retention on your most recent eval and you must have completed T-GPS.
4. You must have completed ethics training within the last 12 months from the start of the program.
5. You must have never participated in the program before.
6. If you are receiving a bonus or are serving in a special program, you may not be eligible. You'll have to check applicable guidance.
7. Companies are vetted by the DOD and can be found on the SkillBridge web portal at
www.dodskillbridge.com. To access the SkillBridge application you must have an established Twitter account.
8. See
NAVADMIN 222/15 for more information