HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-30; Department of Defense Skill Bridge Program (Districts -All); Rocha, LauraTo the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date ~ CA ✓ CC ✓
CM ✓ i\CM ✓ DCM (3) V:
Sept. 30, 2021
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Via:
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager Q
Department of Defense Skill Bridge Pr~am (Districts -All) Re:
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021181
This memorandum provides information related to the establishment of a new program, referred
to as the Department of Defense (DoD) Skill Bridge Program, as an opportunity for the city to
support the veteran community.
Background
The DoD SkillBridge Program (SkillBridge) is an opportunity for military service members to gain
valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or
fellowships during the last 180 days of active duty service. Skill Bridge connects military service
members with industry partners in real-world job experiences at no cost to the hosting
organization (City of Carlsbad). Service members participating in Skill Bridge receive their military
compensation and benefits, and industry partners provide the training and work experience.
There is no risk for the City of Carlsbad, or penalty for the service member, if the fellowship is
concluded prior to the initially agreed upon end date. At the end of the fellowship, if there is an
open position, the service member will have gained the knowledge and skills to be a more
competitive candidate for the position. If there is no opening, the fellowship will simply end.
Discussion
Each year approximately 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed in over 140
military installations in the U.S. and overseas, will separate from active duty and re-enter the
civilian work force or pursue higher education. This provides a unique opportunity for the city to
support the veteran community and attract highly skilled talent.
SkillBridge meets many organizational goals in the following areas:
1. Serves the needs of the community by having qualified individuals contribute to the City
of Carlsbad .
2. Supports the region's veterans by providing them with opportunities to gain valuable
work experience.
3. Compliments the city's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals by sourcing highly qualified
individuals from a pool of diverse applicants.
Administrative Services Branch
Human Resources Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-2440 t
Council Memo -Department of Defense Skill Bridge Program (Districts -All)
Sept. 30, 2021
Page 2
4. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, as there will be a zero-dollar impact on the city's
budget.
Next Steps
The Human Resources Department intends to immediately begin a search for an eligible service
member to bring into the organization utilizing Skill Bridge. Skill Bridge administration will look
similar to the city's current Internship Program which has touchpoints and oversight designed by
the Human Resources Department and will be individually managed by the service member's
supervisor. The initial service member, once identified, will work in the Human Resources,
Information Technology, or Finance Departments with the goal of opening the program to other
interested departments within the city, as requested.
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Judy Von Kalinowski, Human Resources Director