A Florida state senator wants Veterans Florida to implement the U.S. Defense Department’s Skillbridge program throughout the Sunshine State.
This week, state Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach, filed a bill which “will allow Veterans Florida the resources to connect employers to our talented military members transitioning to civilian life and new career opportunities” and it “will accomplish this by implementing the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program initiative throughout the state.”
“As Florida continues to be the most veteran-friendly state, the Skillbridge program will be a tremendous help to our transitioning servicemembers by connecting them to new career opportunities following their service to our country,” said Wright on Tuesday. “We have heard from many employers who are seeking a workforce who are disciplined, skilled, and committed to the mission at hand.
“We are fortunate to be in a state where the success of our present and past Servicemembers is a top priority for our state leaders,” Wright added. “I am committed to continue to work on issues that support our veterans’ ability to pursue new careers in Florida.”
“Skillbridge will connect transitioning servicemembers to employers and their new career path. During the transition period, the servicemembers’ salary and benefits are retained while obtaining any associated industry certifications. Veterans Florida is a non-profit organization was created by the Legislature to help military veterans transition to civilian life,” Wright’s office added.
Wright chairs the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
