HONOLULU - The Hawai’I Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) has been accepted as an industry partner by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to participate in the DoD Skill Bridge Program, which allows retiring and transitioning service members to apply for and, upon selection, to receive hands-on experience in a state government career within the last 180 days of their service.

Each year approximately 10,000 service members leave the military in Hawai’I and re-enter civilian life. Skill Bridge provides an invaluable chance for service members to work and learn civilian career areas and to bridge the often-challenging transition between military life and civilian employment. Additionally, while in the program, service members can concurrently undergo the application process to enter a rewarding career in Hawai?i state government.

“The state of Hawai?i recognizes the skills that service members bring from the military, and we are excited to partner with them through the Skill Bridge program,” said DHRD Director Brenna Hashimoto. “Participating in the Skill Bridge program is an incredible opportunity to increase our hiring potential while providing stability to those that will make the islands their home as they transition out of the military.”

To be considered for program participation, service members should visit the My Opportunities section of the U.S. DoD Skill Bridge at https://skillbridge.org.

This program is free and open to active members of the Armed Forces of the United States that are in their final 180 days of military service in the state of Hawai‘i. Additional information may be found at https://www.dhrd.hawaii.gov/skillbridge.