Making a Seamless Transition from Military to Civilian Career
If you’re getting toward the end of your time as a U.S. military service member, it’s possible you’re starting to think about what your next career move is going to be. The transition might seem tricky, especially if you’ve been a service member for several years and don’t know if your skills can translate to a civilian job.
There is a program for service members in your situation called the Career Skills Program. This program is intended to assist transitioning service members by helping them find an internship, apprenticeship or certification program, which can be completed in the 180 days before the last day on active duty. It’s a way to make the transition simple and seamless.
Perks of the Career Skills Program
- Get the process started up to a year prior to the end of your service
- Gaining skills and education in a career field of your choice
- Opportunity to work with local businesses
To find out more about the Career Skills Program and to get signed up, email careerskillsprogram@dhewd.mo.gov.
Establishing a Career Skills Program Internship
The CSP program allows an employer the opportunity to train and possibly employ the military member after the internship program. The Employer will not be responsible for providing any pay or benefits, to include Unemployment Insurance and Workers Compensation, to the Military member while the Military member is interning for the employer. The military member is still considered an Active military member while interning for the company. The employer should look at this as more of a loan from the military during the internship period. Perks of the Career Skills Program
| Your Business | Military Member |
|---|---|
| Provides Internship |
Gets Paid to Learn |
| Teaches new job skills |
Learns new job skills |
| Prepares next new hire | Continuous employment |
To find out more about the Career Skills Program and to get signed up, email careerskillsprogram@dhewd.mo.gov.