Albany Technical College was recently approved as a provider for the Department of Defense SkillBridge program.
The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service.
The college’s programs fall into the SkillBridge category of “Employment Skills Training Program.” Albany Tech has been approved to offer the Firefighter 1 and Commercial Truck Driving programs through SkillBridge.
A memorandum of understanding was signed this week to that effect by Albany Tech President Emmett Griswold and Col. Matthew McKinney, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
“Albany Technical College continues to be a valuable partner to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, and signing the SkillBridge agreement further solidifies Albany Tech’s commitment to the military community,” said McKinney. “This program will be instrumental in supporting service members’ transitions and securing future employment opportunities.”
Albany Tech provides technical education and training support for the evolving workforce needs of southwest Georgia through traditional and online classroom settings. It has been a longtime partner to MCLB Albany, largely in terms of workforce development.
The DOD SkillBridge agreement is a partnership between DOD and other organizations aimed at connecting service members and veterans with employment opportunities. SkillBridge enables military personnel to gain valuable work experience during their service or after they transition to civilian life, helping them to make a smooth transition to the private sector. The DOD works with colleges and universities, state workforce agencies and private sector companies to provide training, education and employment opportunities to service members.
The program is designed to help reduce the skills gap in the United States’ workforce while at the same time providing service members with valuable training and experience.
Albany Tech received approval for the two programs with intentions to broaden its SkillBridge offerings with more short-term certificates, pending approval.
Firefighter 1 is a 15-week program offered normally in the fall semester. It is offered in cooperation with the Georgia Fire Academy and Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training to ensure graduates have the skills, knowledge and credentials to serve as firefighters in paid and volunteer fire departments. Graduates are tested and certified at the state level. Firefighter 1 graduates earn a technical certificate of credit from Albany Tech.
Commercial Truck Driving is an eight-week program providing basic training in the principles and skills of commercial truck operations. At the completion of the program, the student is administered the Georgia Commercial Driving License Skills Exam and receives a technical certificate of credit.
To be eligible for SkillBridge participation, a service member must have approval from their unit commander, have 180 days of service or fewer remaining prior to their date of discharge and at least 180 continuous days of active service. Interested service members can get more information by contacting their installation’s SkillBridge point of contact.