SkillBridge Program

SkillBridge is an opportunity for active-duty military service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through job training, employment skills training, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities during the last 180 days of military service before release from active duty. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners and real-world job experiences designed to aid the service member in finding meaningful and gainful employment after discharge.

Interested departments can register by completing the request form. The CU SkillBridge Program Manager will approve the internship opportunity and find an interested and qualified service member for you to interview.

If you are interested in hiring a SkillBridge intern, use the Clemson SkillBridge partner form to inform the Office of Human Resources that you are interested in hosting a SkillBridge intern.

The CU SkillBridge program manager will review your request and, if approved, work with you to create a position description that aligns with the job duties you provide.

Based on the CU department’s request, the CU SkillBridge program manager will vet potential SkillBridge interns for desired qualifications and allow the CU department’s hiring manager to approve or reject prospective interns. The CU SkillBridge program manager will also coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) approval with the interested prospective intern, military command, and DoD SkillBridge liaison.

Many factors determine how long it would take to bring a SkillBridge intern to Clemson, including:

• The number of qualified applicants for your requested position
• Success during the interview process
• The service member’s requested start date
• Completed training plan (required by the DoD) for the SkillBridge intern based on the training timeline

The SkillBridge program generally lasts between 90 and 180 days. Your department can set the duration for which you want an intern to work within those parameters. Departments are required to permit SkillBridge interns to complete any Veterans Affairs and retirement/separation appointments needed during their employment. If at any point either the Intern or the department desires to end the program, the CU SkillBridge Program Manager will coordinate with the DoD and the Intern’s military installation to arrange the termination.

Service members participating in CU SkillBridge programs will follow the standard work schedule utilized by their assigned department, including holidays. Service members must receive approval from their military chain of command to utilize any earned military leave (vacation days). The CU SkillBridge Program Manager will verify all requested military leave.

SkillBridge interns are not required to track their time worked, but the DoD SkillBridge Program manager may request a copy of their schedule.

Departments are responsible for providing the SkillBridge intern with a Tiger One card and any equipment needed to complete their work. The department must also cover the cost of a background check.

DoD SkillBridge Interns will continue to receive all military pay and benefits and are forbidden from receiving any pay or benefits from Clemson while in the SkillBridge program.

All SkillBridge interns are classified as Clemson affiliates. Service members will continue to be employed by the DoD, and the DoD is responsible for all pay and benefits during the SkillBridge intern's program participation period.

CU departmental supervisors are assigned before the start of the individual SkillBridge training. The Clemson supervisor is responsible for ensuring that service members work in an environment where they can learn and acclimate to civilian life.

SkillBridge interns will report to their CU department supervisor for their daily duties. However, the service member’s military unit/command remains responsible for the service member while they participate in the SkillBridge program. The military retains the right to recall a service member or terminate the SkillBridge reason for military necessity or disciplinary reasons. The CU SkillBridge Program Manager will validate military necessity by contacting the intern’s military command.

SkillBridge interns are not required to complete a performance evaluation, but CU department supervisors are encouraged to set goals and evaluate performance with their interns.

Department leaders may assign duties to SkillBridge interns, as appropriate, as long as:

• The designated CU department supervisor has the ability to manage the intern's daily tasks.
• The various teams the intern will support are outlined on the program required and DoD approved SkillBridge training plan before the start of the program.
• The CU SkillBridge program manager is aware of the shared responsibilities within the department(s).

There is no limit to how many interns your department can sponsor. Departments are encouraged to accept SkillBridge interns if they can be gainfully employed, effectively managed and properly utilized during their internship.

Pursuant to DoD SkillBridge Policy, employees of the U.S. government, which includes service members participating in the SkillBridge program, cannot accept payment for services they receive through their employment or duty.

As such, departments may not pay SkillBridge members. The DoD pays for all relocation and living expenses during their SkillBridge internship.

DoD SkillBridge programs provide eligible service members with job training and career development opportunities to acquire employment skills, knowledge, and/or abilities to assist service members in obtaining job opportunities in the civilian sector post-service. Departments are not obligated to hire a SkillBridge intern once they complete the program.

If you would like more information about Clemson’s SkillBridge program, contact hrjob@clemson.edu.