[Tallahassee, FL] –Veterans Florida announced today the partnership with Florida Department of Corrections, the third-largest state prison system in the country and Florida’s largest state agency, to create the nation’s first statewide corrections initiative for separating or retiring active-duty servicemembers to train and enter Correctional Officer careers under the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.

The FDC SkillBridge internship takes place over 12-weeks and equips transitioning servicemembers with hands-on training and required certification to effectively perform duties such as supervision, care, and custody of inmates in a correctional institution or facility. SkillBridge participants who successfully complete the training may apply for permanent employment at any FDC facility throughout the state and are eligible for additional hiring incentives and bonuses.

“Our partnership with FDC offers transitioning servicemembers a unique SkillBridge opportunity to continue serving in Florida after they are out of our military,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “As we’ve seen with the success of other law enforcement SkillBridge training, veterans are a natural fit, and the FDC SkillBridge internship will maximize their transferable military skills and bolster Florida’s corrections workforce.”

“We are a proud employer of thousands of current or former active-duty military personnel. Their service and dedication to this country and our state is truly remarkable,” said Secretary Ricky Dixon of the Florida Department of Corrections. “This program, and our partnership with Veterans Florida, sets the path for us to transition veterans into an honorable civilian career within their last few months of service. We welcome these brave men and women to join an agency that values their prior service and look forward to this opportunity.”

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 benefits during the training period.

Separating or retiring servicemembers interested in participating in the FDC SkillBridge internship or have questions about the program can visit veteransflorida.org/register or contact VETS Program Director Jeremy Sinnemaki at sinnemaki@veteransflorida.org.

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.