Unless you solely outsource fleet maintenance and repairs, you’re likely quite familiar with how difficult it is to recruit technicians. Between skilled technicians retiring and competition with dealerships and other commercial shops, it can be hard for fleets to bring on new talent.

But what if government fleets could recruit technicians from the government? MSgt Steffan Gray, vehicle management superintendent for the U.S. Air Force stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, explains how the military can be a wellspring of potential technician talent.

Trying Out Talent for Free

Each year, roughly 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed in more than 140 military installations in the U.S. and overseas, will leave active duty and re-enter the civilian workforce or pursue higher education. Civilian organizations, including fleets, have the opportunity to access this talent pool through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program.

To ease service members’ return to civilian life, SkillBridge connects them with industry partners in real-world job experiences. During their last 180 days of service, service members can participate in on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or internships with civilian organizations. Employers can craft SkillBridge programs to meet their specific workforce needs while benefiting from the skills, experience, and work ethic service members bring to the table.

Even better, service members participating in SkillBridge continue to receive their military compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience. For fleets, that means military personnel can train to be shop technicians for up to six months at no cost to the fleet. After the training period ends, SkillBridge industry partners have the option to hire the service member.

“U.S. military members are considered some of the most highly trained, disciplined, and motivated members in our society,” Gray says. “Most military members enter the service with zero knowledge in the skill the military needs them to perform, but they are willing to learn and perform at the highest level. This commitment can also be harnessed by fleet managers to gain amazing employees after the SkillBridge program has ended.”

Why Military Recruits Are a Good Fit for Fleets

In addition to the drive and work ethic the military instills in service members, Gray says the specific training SkillBridge participants receive during service equips them with the skills needed to learn a new trade quickly.

“Members that are eligible for SkillBridge have been in the military for at least a few years. Each service branch is different in when members start to become leaders, but every member, regardless of their position, is taught to be a follower,” Gray explains. “Depending on how long the service member has been in the military, they will have received continuing education in leadership, quality control/improvement, as well as communication skills/concepts.”

Although SkillBridge participants may not have any automotive training, Gray said service members still have great potential to be valuable additions to a shop.

“Every branch has an automotive type of job, but just because a military member didn’t work on vehicles doesn’t mean they can’t become amazing technicians,” he said. “Military members requesting to do their SkillBridge with a particular place may not have a background in that field, but the drive and dedication they have will allow them to learn the job.”

How to Participate in SkillBridge

According to the SkillBridge Provider Handbook, SkillBridge programs come in all shapes and sizes, but most industry partners share the following characteristics:

• Have clearly defined job training and career development programs designed to enhance opportunities for participating service members.

• Can demonstrate a high probability of a job placement for service members at the program’s end.

• Support “in demand” industries or occupations with opportunities for professional advancement beyond initial employment.

Fleets that would like to develop a SkillBridge program as an industry partner should visit skillbridge.osd.mil and complete the information in the “How to Participate” section of the Interested Industry Employer or Agency page. Fleets can also visit the Contact Us page to ask questions and request more detailed information, and a member of the SkillBridge program will provide further details.

Once a fleet joins the program as an industry partner, its SkillBridge opportunity is posted on the SkillBridge website. Industry partners can also work with local installation support offices to spread the word about opportunities with their fleet.

Gray encourages fleets to participate, as the risk is low, but the potential reward is high. “Take the time and effort to apply for the SkillBridge program,” he says. “Take a chance on a military member for free, and if it doesn’t work out after 180 days, everyone can part ways. Eligible SkillBridge members have dedicated their lives to our nation. I challenge you to provide them with an ability to transition from military service to the civilian workforce.”