What is SkillBridge?

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge program offers transitioning service members the chance to gain valuable civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 90-180 days of service. SkillBridge connects these service members with industry partners for real-world job experiences.

DoW SkillBridge

The Texas A&M SkillBridge Program supports the Texas A&M 2040 vision of giving additional attention to how we serve veterans by providing exceptional opportunities for those who have served our nation.

The DoW SkillBridge program allows service members to gain civilian work experience through specific indu`stry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. It connects transitioning service members with industry partners for real-world job experiences. Service members continue to receive their military compensation and benefits while industry partners provide the civilian training and work experience.

For service members, DoW SkillBridge offers an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners, it provides access to the world's most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost.

Installation and unit commanders can bridge the gap between their service members' end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers through DoW SkillBridge participation. Commanders ease this military-to-civilian transition period for their members by permitting SkillBridge participation with trusted employers.

Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with Texas A&M University after their chain of command provides written authorization and approval. Texas A&M University offers real-world training and in-demand work experience while evaluating the service member's suitability for future employment.

Country to Campus, Continue to Serve!

Texas A&M University SkillBridge Program

The Texas A&M University SkillBridge Program is designed as an on-the-job training (OJT) pathway that prepares transitioning service members for full-time positions within the university. While participants must still complete the state-required hiring process for employment, the program’s primary goal is to train and familiarize military members with the duties and responsibilities of the roles they will be eligible to apply for after separation.

Program Details

Remote Positions Not Offereed

At the moment, remote positions are not being offered with our SkillBridge Program. All SkillBridge opportunities are only offered at the following campuses: College Station TX, Galveston TX, Dallas TX, Fort Worth TX, and Washington DC campuses. Internship opportunities are dependent on availability at each location.

Possible Internship Opportunities

The units below are for informational purposes only and provide details about various organizations within Texas A&M University. To apply for an internship, complete and submit the SkillBridge Internship form. Do not contact the listed organizations directly.

  • Aggie Construction Management Apprenticeship Program
  • Environmental Health and SafetyEnvironmental Health and Safety
  • Facilities Management
  • Finance and Business Services
  • Geochemical and Environmental Research Group
  • Global Health Research Center
  • Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness
  • IT/Network Management
  • Marketing and Communications
  • National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing
  • Office of the Commandant
  • Operations
  • Pharmacy Technician Program
  • Texas A&M GeoInnovation Service Center
  • Texas A&M Health
  • Transportation Services
  • University Police Department
  • Utility and Energy Services
  • Veterans' Coaching Program (Kinesiology: Human Performance and Athletic/Sport Sciences)

Matt Lockwood, MGySgt, USMC (Ret)

HROE DoW SkillBridge Program Director Human Resources and Organizational Development
Contact

Plan Your Future. Leverage Your Benefits.


Texas A&M University is proud to partner with the DoW SkillBridge program.

There are program partners in all career fields, including esteemed employers like Amazon, John Deere, Lockheed Martin, UnitedHealth Group, and the U.S. Veterans Administration—and hundreds more!

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and how Texas A&M University is dedicated to supporting your transition to a successful civilian career.

Download the Texas A&M SkillBridge Program Brochure

 

SkillBridge FAQs

Are you a service member looking to transition smoothly into a civilian career? The Texas A&M SkillBridge Program is designed to provide you with the resources and support you need to make this important step. Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions about the application process, eligibility, and the benefits of participating in the program. We're here to help you succeed!

Application Process: How do service members apply to become participants in a Skillbridge Program?
Interested service members can ask questions by contacting their installation transition assistance office, education office, or other support office. Additional information can be found in the "How to Participate" section.
Application Process: What is the command approval process?
Service members should contact their installation SkillBridge point of contact for details about service and command-specific guidance. If unavailable, submit a question through the DoW SkillBridge website's Contact Us link.
Eligibility & Timing: What are the eligibility requirements for service members?
Service members can participate within 180 days of discharge or release from active duty, provided they have served 180 continuous days on active duty. Approval authority rests with the first field grade commander authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ.
Eligibility & Timing: At what time in a service member’s career are they permitted to participate in a SkillBridge Program?
Service members may participate no earlier than 180 days before their release from active duty.
Eligibility & Timing: What ranks are allowed to participate in SkillBridge Programs?
Yes, all ranks are eligible with command approval. Check service-specific guidance for any restrictions.
Program Details: How long does the SkillBridge internship last?
The internship ranges from 90 to 180 days, depending on branch and rank.
Program Details: Can onboarding activities count toward SkillBridge program training time?
Yes, onboarding activities are recognized as part of the program.
Program Details: Are SkillBridge opportunities limited to the installation where a service member is assigned or are service members able to participate in opportunities other than where they are assigned?
Service members can participate at locations and installations other than where they are currently assigned. They are responsible for their own travel.
Program Details: Can service members receive gifts, travel benefits or similar perks while participating in SkillBridge?
Generally, service members may not accept gifts from a SkillBridge industry partner. Subsidies or reimbursements for subsistence, lodging, and travel costs may be offered if available to all similar training participants.
Responsibilities & Requirements: Does the unit/command remain responsible for the service member while they participate in SkillBridge?
Yes, the assigned unit/command retains responsibility. SkillBridge program managers may assist but cannot replace the commander's responsibilities.
Responsibilities & Requirements: Can the requesting intern’s command limit or change how much time they are allowed to take for a SkillBridge?
The decision to grant or adjust participation time remains with the chain of command.
Responsibilities & Requirements: Is the SkillBridge host department respoinsible for offering service member’s medical care, disability, and workman’s compensation if they are injured or die while participating in the SkillBridge program?
No, the Department of War remains responsible for all pay and benefits during participation.
Responsibilities & Requirements: Are departments required to accept every service member that applies to our SkillBridge program?
No, each department screens and selects candidates for their SkillBridge opportunity. Departments are encouraged to work with the Texas A&M SkillBridge Program team to display qualifications.
Are service members required to participate in a DoW SkillBridge?
No, participation is optional.
Are there Service-specific SkillBridge instructions?
Yes, service-specific instructions are available on the DoW SkillBridge website's Resources page.
Does Texas A&M have to maintain a minimum number of participants in their SkillBridge program?
Yes, Texas A&M must host at least five SkillBridge candidates per year. Yes, Texas A&M must host at least five SkillBridge candidates per year. Yes, Texas A&M must host at least five SkillBridge candidates per year.