The Problem:

Employers are constantly looking for ways to tap into the military-connected talent pool. Whether they intrinsically see value in hiring veterans or have a Federal OFCCP requirement, finding creative ways to stay in front of the community is always top of mind.

Interest in the DoD SkillBridge program has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2022, the program experienced a 300% increase in companies applying for authorization. As a trend, this is compelling. More and more employers are seeing the value in getting to “try a vet before they buy a vet.” And from the veteran’s perspective, they get to experience a company’s culture and workplace before committing to full-time employment there. It’s a win-win.

While an increasing number of employers are ready to develop their own SkillBridge program, they quickly realize it takes time – a lot of time. As with any government program, expect the application and approval process to take 10-12 months. While waiting, BufferSprings can act as an onramp to the program and facilitate sourcing and placing SkillBridge interns for you.

For some businesses, it may not make sense to go through the process of creating your own SkillBridge program. Companies must ask themselves if they have dedicated staff to work on sourcing, interviewing, onboarding, and training new SkillBridge interns. If the answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” our team can handle your entire program.

BufferSprings can act as your third-party facilitator for SkillBridge candidates. We host them in our ecosystem, provide weekly transition training, and ensure they’re well-supported by the host company. As part of our program, we conduct our signature MT BEN and Military 101 training with your team. This brings your recruiters and hiring managers up to speed on all things veteran and ensures they can be “Military Effective.”

What’s Included:

As a Long-Term Partner Solution for SkillBridge Talent

• Our signature training program includes Military 101 and MT BEN.
• Intake and understanding of the roles you want a SkillBridge intern to fill.
• Sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates for your open role. We will provide 2-3 candidates for your team to interview personally.
• BufferSprings training and administrative support of the SkillBridge intern.

For SkillBridge Program Development

• Consulting with your team on how to become an approved SkillBridge provider. Depending on your needs, we can do the heavy lifting for you OR guide your team through the process.
• While you wait for approval (this can take between 10-12 months), our team will:
  • Conduct our signature training program, including Military 101 and MT BEN.
  • Understanding of the roles you want a SkillBridge intern to fill.
  • Source, screen, and interview candidates for your open role. We will provide 2-3 candidates for your team to interview personally.
  • BufferSprings training and administrative support of the SkillBridge intern.

The Investment:

BufferSprings operates on a Program Fee pricing model for SkillBridge candidates. Each SkillBridge placement will be a flat $7,500 fee upon acceptance. This fee will be invoiced, and due once the candidate starts work with your company.

Our consulting fee for setting up your own SkillBridge program is a flat rate of $10,000. This includes all administrative paperwork and filing, training plan development, and training a member of your team to run the program.

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