Albany Tech program will assist military members in transition to civilian careers

ALBANY — Exiting service members can get a boost in their post-military careers through a recently approved program at Albany Technical College.

As a provider for the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program, Albany Tech has received approval to provide training through two certificate programs to members of the military who have six months or less remaining to serve.

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Albany Technical College’s programs fall into the SkillBridge category of employment skills training program.

The SkillBridge agreement is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and other organizations aimed at connecting service members and veterans with employment opportunities.

SkillBridge enables military personnel to gain work experience during their service or after the transition to civilian life, helping them to make a smooth transition to the private sector.

The DOD works with colleges and universities, state work force 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 U.S. work force while at the same time providing service members with valuable training and experience.

Albany Tech has initially received approval for Firefighter 1 and Commercial Truck Driving programs, with intentions to broaden its SkillBridge offerings with more short-term certificates, pending approval.

Firefighter 1 is a 15-week program offered normally during 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. Graduates of the Firefighter 1 program earn a technical certificate of credit from Albany Tech.

Commercial Truck Driving is an eight-week program that provides basic training in the principles and skills of commercial truck operations. At the completion of the program, the student is administered the Georgia CDL 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 SkillBridge point of contact, which may be in the transition assistance office, education office, or other installation support office.

Special Photo: Albany Tech