What is SkillBridge? The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. Separating service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after unit commander provides written authorization and approval, and they are approved by the industry partner. These industry partners offer real-world training and work experience in in-demand fields of work while having the opportunity to evaluate the service member's suitability for full-time employment post SkillBridge. While on SkillBridge, you will earn your basic military pay, BAH and BAS.
SkillBridge does not/is not... SkillBridge does not cover the cost of any training or ratings that are required to qualify for any internship(with MIL2ATP, Inc. or any other authorized SkillBridge provider). The DoD SkillBridge program doesn't provide compensation to the industry partners either, and as such there are no "funds available" for training, nor are there any "savings available" to pass on to the service member to offset required training costs. Since SkillBridge is an internship, service members must complete the application process and be selected by the industry partner to enter the SkillBridge program.
MIL2ATP, Inc. Partnerships: We have taken the time to build partnerships with large corporations that want to intern you during or post SkillBridge. Whether you are a rotary-wing pilot or a fixed wing pilot that needs currency, we have a pipeline for you! Some of our partners will reimburse you for some of your training expenses if you are willing to accept a post SkillBridge work commitment.
MIL2ATP, Inc. SkillBridge Program: The MIL2ATP, Inc. SkillBridge program allows participants to spend focused time learning about the civilian aviation world. Service members interested in one of our SkillBridge programs must first meet the entry requirements listed below as well as complete the MIL2ATP selection process to begin an internship or training with follow on to our industry partners. The programs that we currently offer are:
MIL2ATP, Inc. Airline Employment Skills Program:
The Airline Pilot Employment Skills Program provides tailored training for the military pilot seeking a career as an airline pilot. The program is a complete immersion in the civilian aviation environment that will grow participants’ aviation experience into a marketable civilian aviation skillset.
Entry requirements:
- Military pilot that holds or is eligible for FAA MILCOMP
- Commercial and Instrument Airplane ratings
- Complete the MIL2ATP ATP practical course
- 1500 hours total time or 750 hours for ATP-R that includes:
- 500 hours cross-country
- 75 hours actual or simulated instrument (not more than 25 hours in simulator)
-100 hours night total
- 50 hours multiengine airplane (not more than 25 sim hours as part of FAA approved course)
- 250 hours PIC in airplanes that includes:
- 100 hours PIC cross country
- 25 hours PIC night
MIL2ATP, Inc. CFI/CFI-I/MEI:
The Flight Instructor Job Training Program provides tailored on-the-job training for military pilots to instruct in our FAA Part 141 and Part 61 training courses. The program offers experience in an intensive civilian aviation training environment that will grow participants’ civil aviation experience into marketable civilian aviation skills.
Entry requirements:
- Current or former military instructor pilot FAA Commercial MEL and CFI-I, MEI or meet the FAA requirements for MILCOMP Commercial MEL, Certified Flight Instructor
- ME, CFI-Instrument Airplane
- Complete the MIL2ATP ATP practical course
MIL2ATP, Inc. RTP Course:
The RTP course will enable military helicopter pilots to complete accelerated fixed wing aviation training to gain the FAA ratings needed for a career in the airlines. Service members that complete the RTP training curriculum will be eligible to instruct at MIL2ATP, Inc. or for placement with one of our industry partners to continue building valuable civilian fixed wing experience.
Entry requirements:
- Military helicopter pilot that holds or is eligible for FAA MILCOMP Helicopter Commercial and Instrument ratings
- 1100 hours total flight time
- 500 hours PIC cross country
- 100 hours night time
- 75 hours actual or simulator instrument
***Helicopter time counts towards these minimums***