Veterans Florida has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to place separating and retiring active-duty servicemembers in the university’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program — an authorized SkillBridge program, under the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program trains and places transitioning servicemembers into aviation maintenance and technician careers with the help of aerospace industry partners committed to hiring veterans. The nine-week, full-time program doesn’t require an aviation maintenance background, but a mechanical aptitude is preferred. Graduates receive certificates in Aviation Maintenance Technology and B-737 Familiarization, plus a guaranteed interview with one of the industry hiring partners.

“Partnering with the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university to connect transitioning servicemembers with career opportunities will bolster Florida’s workforce with highly-trained veterans and keep the state on the forefront of the rapidly growing aerospace industry,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “A pipeline of skilled military talent ensures aerospace employers turn to Florida when expanding or relocating.”

Embry-Riddle offers the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at seven locations in the United States, with two locations in Florida. Transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military spouses can opt to take a virtual program through Embry-Riddle’s Fort Walton Beach – Hurlburt Field or an on-ground program at Jacksonville. The program is offered three times per year, in January, May and September, with the next cohorts beginning September 7, 2021. In addition to this Aviation Maintenance Technology program for veterans, Embry-Riddle also offers two- and four-year Aviation Maintenance Science degree programs.

“We look forward to working with Veterans Florida to promote aviation maintenance as a great career,” said Dr. John R. Watret, chancellor for Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus.“For many years, the university has been educating and connecting transitioning servicemembers, veterans and military spouses to excellent careers in the civilian aviation and aerospace industry.”

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. Under Florida law, Veterans Florida is the state’s designated organization to raise awareness of the program, connect servicemembers with SkilBridge trainings, and assist employers in obtaining training approval from DOD.

Separating or retiring servicemembers interested in Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Maintenance SkillBridge can learn more at worldwide.erau.edu/amtp. Servicemembers interested in learning more about other SkillBridge opportunities around Florida should register at veteransflorida.org/register or contact VETS Program Director Jeremy Sinnemaki at sinnemaki@veteransflorida.org.