New North companies invited to build a military-talent pipeline
Engagement with transitioning service members available through DOD, U.S. Chamber programs
NEW NORTH, October 2, 2023 – Multiple programs for New North companies to be engaged in building a military-talent pipeline now are available, and New North Inc. stands ready to help in making the connections. Highly trained transitioning service members, along with their spouses, can be prospective employees through tailored internships or apprenticeships.
SkillBridge is a program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that offers service members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experiences with specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during their last 180 days of military service. Thousands of training programs currently are available throughout the country, including more than 20 in Wisconsin.
Industry partners of SkillBridge have the ability to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. DOD now is accepting applications for new SkillBridge partners. Companies also have the ability to partner with existing SkillBridge authorized organizations.
“The New North region prides itself on helping transitioning service members and their spouses connect with communities and career opportunities throughout their transition,” says Rebecca Deschane, vice president of talent development for New North Inc., the regional marketing and economic development corporation serving the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin. “SkillBridge is a great tool for those service members to find training that fits their interests and goals. We also see it as a tremendous opportunity for companies to build a military-talent pipeline.”
Leveraging the benefits of the SkillBridge program, businesses can expand their talent-recruitment opportunities by way of specialized training efforts. Through a program lasting up to 12 weeks, service members are paid through the DOD. The employer, meanwhile, has access to highly skilled individuals, and can create a course of learning for them to quickly move into career pathways.
Companies also can partner with an existing authorized SkillBridge program such as the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Businesses interested in hosting a Hiring Our Heroes fellow – from the next cohort, beginning Jan. 8, 2024, or a future cohort – can complete an application at Hosting a Fellow – Hiring Our Heroes.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also has a Military Spouse Fellowship program, which provides military spouses with professional training, networking and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce.
Another recent SkillBridge program example is that of Medalcraft Mint with the Manufacturing Leaders Project (Renaissance-Reliability).
New North additionally partners with Mission Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to helping Wisconsin employers connect with transitioning service members, spouses and veterans, to create a region that is veteran-ready for military families to thrive. Since 2021, the collaborative New North Hires Heroes program has welcomed 65 service members and their families to Northeast Wisconsin.
Any company interested in learning more about New North Hires Heroes and being connected to employee candidates, through Mission Wisconsin, can contact Deschane at [email protected].
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New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee and Waushara. www.thenewnorth.com
Media Contact: Jeff Blumb, 920.328.5454 or [email protected]
