Bridging Military and Civilian Careers: The SkillBridge Program in Winnebago and Worth Counties

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant step for service members. The Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge Program is designed to ease this transition by offering invaluable civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, and internships. For the communities in Winnebago and Worth Counties, this program presents a unique opportunity to connect highly skilled veterans with local employers, strengthening the regional workforce and economy.

SkillBridge: A Win-Win for Service Members and Employers

The DOD SkillBridge Program allows transitioning service members to take up to 180 days of permissive duty to train full-time with industry partners. While participants continue receiving military compensation, they gain hands-on experience in civilian careers. Paul Andres, a Local Veterans' Employment Representative with IowaWORKS, highlights the dual benefits: "For service members, it's a chance to align their military expertise with civilian roles. It's also an opportunity for employers to assess highly motivated and disciplined individuals for potential long-term positions—all at no cost."

Industries across Iowa, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, utilize this program to secure skilled labor. Andres says, “Superior Tube in Davenport has partnered with SkillBridge to integrate transitioning service members as machine operators; Michelle’s Vocational Placement (job coaching for employees with disabilities) has just approved an intern to start in January. Additionally, sectors like vocational coaching are expanding opportunities for veterans.”

Iowa: A Destination for Transitioning Veterans

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is a crucial third-party administrator for the SkillBridge Program. By leveraging the state's diverse economy and strong employer partnerships, IWD facilitates tailored training and employment opportunities for service members. "Iowa offers incentives like Home Base Iowa, making the state an attractive retirement location for veterans," Andres explains. "We're seeing increased interest in Iowa as a destination for transitioning service members."

Collaborations with major employers, such as John Deere and state police departments, further enhance the state's veteran-friendly culture. These partnerships ensure that service members are matched with high-demand roles, enabling them to thrive in their civilian careers while strengthening Iowa's workforce.

The Role of Winn-Worth Betco

As an economic development corporation for Winnebago and Worth Counties, Winn-Worth Betco is ideally positioned to enhance the benefits of SkillBridge in rural communities. Local Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) can play a pivotal role by raising employer awareness, facilitating connections, and leveraging local industries to create opportunities.

"Rural areas offer a high quality of life, including affordable living, strong schools, and safe communities," Andres notes. "By effectively promoting these advantages, we can attract talented service members to areas they may not have considered before." Winn-Worth Betco can also collaborate with communities to provide incentives for veterans, making relocation to these counties more appealing.

Building a Stronger Workforce

As Iowa continues to strengthen its SkillBridge program, rural areas like Winnebago and Worth Counties have a unique opportunity to benefit from the expertise and dedication of transitioning service members. Through strong partnerships, strategic marketing, and community support, Winn-Worth Betco can help bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce for years to come.

The Department of Defense SkillBridge Program provides Transitioning Service Members with the opportunity to develop additional skills and experience to facilitate their employment in the civilian sector upon transition from military service. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, visit the DOD SkillBridge website and get started today! Or contact Paul Andres at Paul.Andres@iwd.iowa.gov.

Towards the Betterment of the Winnebago & Worth Counties 

Winn-Worth Betco, a regional economic development organization, supports Winnebago and Worth Counties businesses. By assisting with site selection, workforce recruitment and training, business startup, and expansion opportunities, Winn-Worth Betco facilitates the growth and prosperity of businesses in the region. "Whatever a business needs, we are here to help!" Contact us here for any assistance.