Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, announced today that it has expanded its DOD SkillBridge partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Under the agreement, the Department’s Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) at 24 Local Workforce Development Boards in the CareerSource Florida network will promote DOD SkillBridge to employers and refer interested employers to Veterans Florida.

Veterans Florida, the state’s designated SkillBridge assistance organization, will help employers obtain DOD approval for qualified SkillBridge trainings and refer veterans to the Department as a career resource.

“This partnership tackles Florida’s workforce needs head-on,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “Collaborating with DEO enhances the already unparalleled services that Florida offers transitioning servicemembers and employers who need their skills.”

“DEO is proud to work with Veterans Florida to provide career growth resources and transition services for veterans who call Florida their home,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The high level skills, leadership, and experience that Veterans possess are essential to help propel Florida’s economy forward.”

“With Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, many Florida businesses are growing and seeking the training, work ethic and teamwork military veterans bring to the workforce,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The DOD SkillBridge program has quickly become a valuable tool for our local workforce development board partners to help transitioning military service members embark on rewarding new careers.”

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.

In 2021 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 435 creating the nation’s first statewide SkillBridge initiative and designating Veterans Florida as the state’s designated SkillBridge assistance organization.

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. Veterans Florida is also the state’s designated DOD SkillBridge assistance organization. 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.