About VIBE Skillbridge

On December 3, 2020, the Veterans Inspired through Bridging Experience (VIBE) Skillbridge Program was established through collaborative efforts with the Department of Defense (DoD) Skillbridge, making the organization an approved and authorized DoD Skillbridge provider. The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members, veterans, and military spouses to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. There is no cost to the organization for supporting these opportunities. Servicemembers receive Service pay and benefits. There is a high probability of post-experiential placement. The organization will appear in authorized list updated at the end of each week.

For Service members Skillbridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. As an industry partner Skillbridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in Skillbridge receive their military compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience. For additional information visit DoDSkillbridge Program Overview.

Our VIBE Skillbridge program provides a unique opportunity to build our talent pipeline with qualified transitioning servicemembers and bridge the gap by help them successfully transition into a civilian. We understand the value that skilled veterans and members of the military community can bring to the organization. Workforce readiness and development is essential to our organization.

Our VIBE Skillbridge program has three components that are designed to target Veterans and spouses of veterans: DoD Skillbridge Internship program, US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and ICMA Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship. The VIBE Skillbridge program will generate broader career interests and promote opportunities in various disciplines with the City through formal and/or informal training. By developing a talent pool based in Savannah, the City of Savannah’s ability to recruit more citizens in our community will significantly increase.

Benefits to the City

As a military community, when Veterans come to work for the City of Savannah, they can expect challenging yet rewarding assignments directly related to their skills and talents. Transitioning servicemembers will become a part of a community in which there is camaraderie with their fellow Veterans, peers and City leadership who offer support to their diverse needs. We recognize the tangible value that internships, apprenticeships and fellowships will provide to both the organization and prospective employees that leads to increased productivity, diversity and inclusion, reduced recruitment and training cost and creates a pathway to a successful career for transitioning servicemembers.

The VIBE SkillBridge Program. will advance our talent management efforts in attracting, hiring, and retaining both veterans, spouses and members of the military community. We will provide mutual occupational interests to transitioning servicemembers inclusive of professional development and networking opportunities. Transitioning members who are considering participating in our VIBE SkillBridge Program can search our career site to review positions on interest.

Why Invest in Our Veterans?

The City is now uniquely positioned to provide active duty servicemembers within 180 days (6 months) of transitioning internship and/or apprenticeship opportunities to gain valuable hands-on gain valuable work experience in a local government organization with the opportunity to interview and obtain employment with the City. Veterans are one of the most untapped talent pools that exemplify the skills employers desire as they are accustomed to working under pressure and thriving in a team environment. Veterans are entrepreneurial, resilient, adept at skill transfer across context and task, and have high organizational commitment.

As our servicemembers make the transition to a civilian career they may struggle in their search for the perfect career. Veterans must consider many variables such as skills transfer, which position should they apply for, researching organizations and building a supportive network during the transition period. The VIBE SkillBridge Program makes the transition process smooth and creates a sense of belonging for Veterans. We understand and recognize that each servicemember are from diverse backgrounds yet brings different skills to the table such as leadership and discipline that will be valuable for our organization.