Following the dispatch of a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in February, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced Wednesday that her efforts to clarify certain elements of the SkillBridge job training program for U.S. servicemembers have been successful.
Rep. Stefanik had asked the Secretary of Labor to exempt employers providing on-the-job training to active duty service members through the SkillBridge program from various employment laws. Employers who have been eager to participate in the program have been hesitant to do so because of laws administered by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division since active duty members are paid by the military and not the business providing the training opportunity, a statement from Rep. Stefanik’s office said.
“I am grateful to the Department of Labor for taking action on this important issue for servicemembers at Fort Drum who are in the process of transitioning to civilian life,” Rep. Stefanik said. “North Country employers have told me they are eager to provide soldiers with on-the-job training and experience, but have remained on the sidelines due to legal uncertainty.”
The Department of Defense SkillBridge program allows active duty service members the opportunity to work and learn in civilian career areas through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Industry partners participating in the program provide invaluable real-world work experience for service members getting ready to transition out of the military and into a civilian career.
“I was proud to advocate for our Fort Drum soldiers by raising this issue with the Secretary of Labor and am thrilled they have provided much-needed clarity to allow servicemembers to gain hands-on experience through SkillBridge – an extremely valuable program for those who have served our country selflessly and are embarking on the next chapter in their lives,” Rep. Stefanik said.