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By: Chris Thorne, SHRM-SCP, President and Owner of Chris Thorne Consulting

February 2, 2023

Program management leadership for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) DoD SkillBridge management recently shared an email which provided DAF program requirements and expectations for approved DoD SkillBridge providers.

CTC assesses that this welcome DAF communication does NOT include any new program requirements or change any guiding instructions, laws or regulations. Rather, it provided clarification for SkillBridge program management for USAF participation. The following areas were addressed:

???????????????? ??????????: DAF/USAF has long required appropriately detailed training plans for DoD SkillBridge program approval. DoD has recently instituted the use of detailed training plans as a requirement for DoD MOU approval, and all current and prospective DoD SkillBridge providers should anticipate and prepare for the use of training plans for ALL DoD SkillBridge programs.

?????????????? ?????????????????????????? ????????: DAF/USAF clarified that their expectation is that approved SkillBridge internship programs will normally be 120 days or less. DoD SkillBridge remains authorized (by US law and DoD and Service instructions) for up to the final 180 days of Active Duty service, however DAF clarified that leadership decisions of supportability for any DoD SkillBridge request will weigh terminal service requirements (leave, separations processing, medical requirements, etc.). Based on this, DAF/USAF has communicated that SkillBridge programs of 120 days or less are most likely to be deemed supportable. CTC has seen this as a broadly held opinion across all Services and supports this balanced approach to SkillBridge providers partnering with the DoD in supporting Service transition requirements.

???????? ?????????????????????????? ??????????????: Post participation surveys of SkillBridge participants and providers has been a long standing requirements. USAF has implemented an automated tool which will prompt approved SkillBridge servicemembers AND SkillBridge providers to complete a separate survey at the completion of each SkillBridge internship. CTC encourages all SkillBridge providers to utilize this tool to provide valuable feedback to DAF/USAF leadership, and recognizes that encouraging SkillBridge participants to complete their survey is a best practice which supports our DoD and Service colleagues in the SkillBridge process.

???????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ???? ?????????? ??????????, ?????????? ???????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ??????????????: CTC assesses that industry and DAF/USAF (and all Services) share a common goal of ensuring that SkillBridge participation leads to a high likelihood of employment following SkillBridge training. SkillBridge OJT program best practices are directly aligned to workforce needs in the hosting organization. SkillBridge Training/Education Program best practices should CLEARLY articulate employable skills, certifications, and industry recognized alignment to employment opportunities based on training, certification, and licensure from the SkillBridge period. CTC reminds and emphasizes employers that in compliance with 10 U.S.C. 1149, 29 U.S.C 201-219, and other applicable Federal, state and local labor laws, companies are NOT able to guarantee a hired position to DoD SkillBridge interns prior to the commencement of their SkillBridge period.

Chris Thorne Consulting finds the proactive engagement, communication, and program standardization and automation from the Department of the Air Force to be welcome and beneficial for ensuring that all approved DoD SkillBridge providers have a full understanding of process and expectations of all stakeholders involved.

Chris Thorne, SHRM-SCP holds the SHRM California HR Law Credential and is the owner of Chris Thorne Consulting which is committed to providing industry best practice solutions to veteran engagement and retention. Chris Thorne Consulting is an approved SHRM and HRCI Re-Certification and PDC Provider. Chris is a SHRM Certification Ambassador, non-profit President and Board member and a 30 year U.S. Navy Veteran.

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