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Press Release
Veterans Florida, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Partner to Create SkillBridge Internship
[Tallahassee, FL] - Veterans Florida has partnered with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to create state agency internships for separating or retiring active-duty servicemembers under the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.
Transitioning servicemembers participating in the DEO SkillBridge internship will acquire new skills working in trade adjustment assistance, rapid response, and veteran employment programs as well as serving as a liaison between state agencies and local workforce development boards. SkillBridge participants will have the opportunity to gain full-time employment once the training period ends.
“Our partnership with DEO expands Florida’s SkillBridge offerings and allows servicemembers to develop a unique skill set and learn about the inner workings of a vitally important state agency,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “As the state’s principal SkillBridge assistance organization, Veterans Florida will continue to explore new opportunities allowing servicemembers’ to get their feet in the door to ensure they hit the ground running when starting their post-service career.”
“The Department is proud to partner with Veterans Florida to assist in the transition process for servicemembers and provide opportunities for gainful employment,” said Dane Eagle, Secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “The Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program is vital to ensuring that those who serve our country in the line of duty can transition back into civilian life.”
The DOD SkillBridge Program enables active-duty servicemembers with commander approval to gain work experience through internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships with employers during their final six months of service. Military personnel of any rank and branch are eligible to participate in SkillBridge and maintain their DOD salary and benefits during the training period.
Separating or retiring servicemembers interested in the DEO SkillBridge internship or have questions about the program can visit veteransflorida.org/register or contact VETS Program Director Jeremy Sinnemaki at sinnemaki@veteransflorida.org.
About Veterans Florida
Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans and their families transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state under Florida’s Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Program. Our mission can be summed up in the theme – Your Pursuit. Our Power. – because we recognize military veterans are incredibly focused and will succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals when they take advantage of our tools and resources. Visit veteransflorida.org for more information and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on veteran opportunities in Florida.
About Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.
