Host Department Information

Host Department Information  |  Procedure for Hosting  |  Things to Prepare

To be a successful SkillBridge Texas A&M internship host department, please ensure that your department can facilitate the following:

Build a clearly defined On the Job Training plan: Each unique training plan should be designed to enhance opportunities for returning service members, enabling them to gain the necessary employment skills, knowledge, and abilities to hit the ground running as they transition back to civilian life post military service. The Texas A&M SkillBridge team can assist with the building of the training plan.

Note: Please refer to the Training Plan Required Elements document to ensure that the training plan you create for your organization contains all the necessary information. The Texas A&M SkillBridge team will assist with this.

Ensure a high probability of job availability: At the end of the internship, your department’s SkillBridge training program, there should be have a strong likelihood of a job being available for the participating service member to transfer into. The DoD’s requirement to maintain participation in the SkillBridge program is an 85% hire rating for these interns, as per the Memorandum Of Understanding between the U.S. Department Of Defense and Texas A&M.

Note: As published in the joint ethics regulations of the DoD, and as outlined in the U.S. Department of Labor guidance, service members participating in a SkillBridge program are engaging in a Capstone training experience at the end of their military career. The Department of Defense will continue to cover the salaries and benefits of the participating members; thus, they are NOT eligible for wages or other benefits from industry partners.

By meeting these criteria, your department will not only support the professional growth of our veterans but also benefit from their highly trained and motivated workforce.

How is this possible?

The DoD SkillBridge program is an official initiative designed to support transitioning Department of Defense service members. During their participation in SkillBridge, the DoD continues to cover the service member's salary and benefits. Military installation Commanders can authorize training at Texas A&M University's facilities, ensuring minimal to no cost to the university.

Reach Talent from Anywhere

At Texas A&M University, we are committed to leveraging the best talent, regardless of their location. Through the DoD SkillBridge program, we support service members ending their active-duty career while minimizing the logistics of on-site support. Each program should be designed to offer on-the-job training, ensuring that we can reach and train talented individuals from across the globe.

Service members have the option to relocate to the Brazos Valley area or other locations that house Texas A&M campuses to participate in the program. This flexibility allows us to provide comprehensive support and training to service members wherever they decide to relocate to.

Texas A&M University is poised to become the nation's #1 veteran-serving university, not only for student veterans but also for staff and faculty who are veterans. We are dedicated to creating an environment that supports the professional growth and development of our veterans, ensuring they have meaningful opportunities for development.

What's the catch?

It may seem too good to be true, but there is no catch—only the opportunity to access the best talent entering the civilian labor force each year. This unique opportunity is provided to service members by the DoD. These transitioning service members are not only talented in their military profession, but are also highly trained in multiple disciplines, easily trainable, dedicated, loyal, and motivated.

The DoD benefits when service members return to civilian life with meaningful and gainful employment. The DoD aims for the best possible outcomes for our members—not just short-term jobs, but careers with good pay and opportunities for advancement, just as they had during their military service. Hiring managers can view the current list of SkillBridge Candidates.

Procedure for Hosting a DoD SkillBridge Intern

Step One: Application Submission

A transitioning service member completes the Texas A&M SkillBridge Internship Request form on the Texas A&M SkillBridge website. A resume is required with the application.

Step Two: Initial Assessment

The Texas A&M SkillBridge team conducts an initial intake assessment of the application. The team reaches out to the departments indicated by the service member as areas of interest. Alternatively, a manager aware of an upcoming need may reach out to the SkillBridge team to inquire whether an application is available from a matching service member.

Step Three: Interview Coordination

If a manager expresses interest in the potential intern, the Texas A&M SkillBridge team introduces both parties to schedule an interview. The hiring manager will schedule an interview conducted via a virtual platform at a mutually convenient time.

Step Four: Interview and Decision

During the interview, the manager assesses the service member's fit for the department. If the interview is successful and the hosting department confirms willingness to comply with the DoD SkillBridge program's rules and regulations, the Texas A&M SkillBridge team and the accepting manager proceed with the necessary documentation, including the development of a training plan.

Step 5: Pre-Start Requirements

The Texas A&M SkillBridge team handles all DoD and specific military branch requirements during the intake and post-interview process, well in advance of the intern's start date. The goal is to ensure the intern:

• Signs all required forms
• Completes their background check
• Gains full access to Workday, including a UIN assignment
• Has their Texas A&M ID ready for pickup
• Registers their vehicle with Texas A&M Transportation Services, with an assigned parking lot
• Obtains IT access
• Completes the required Texas A&M System TrainTraq training

Step 6: Onboarding

On the first day, the Texas A&M SkillBridge team meets with the intern at the General Services Complex for a brief onboarding session. After onboarding, the intern travels to their designated internship location.

Things to Prepare for the Intern to Aid in a Successful Day 1 Transition

• A welcome email with internship details and relevant contact information.
• A map of where to park, including the lot number. Include a location to meet after the Texas A&M SkillBridge Day 1 morning meeting (time TBD).
• An assigned workspace equipped with necessary supplies and equipment.
• A lead on-the-job training trainer (multiple trainers can be utilized).
• Computer access, email account, and any required software set up (if not already completed by the SkillBridge team).
• An orientation schedule, including meetings with key team members and an overview of the department.