An estimated 20,000 individuals transition out of North Carolina’s military installations each year. These individuals are highly trained, motivated, and can be better leveraged as a critical piece of our state’s talent pipelines across industries.

“North Carolina is the tip of our nation’s spear,” said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. “The individuals transitioning out of our state’s military installations are some of the best trained in the world. They have critical skills that are valuable to nearly every industry, and we owe it to these heroes to connect them with gainful employment so they can contribute to our economy after their service.”

That was the focus of the Bridging the Transition event, hosted by Veterans Life Center, in Raleigh this week.

NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido participated in a panel at the event with Sen. Tillis, N.C. Representative Ed Goodwin, Martin Marietta Vice President of HR Jamison Smith, SkillBridge Program Specialist Lucy Robinson, Veterans Life Center Executive Director John Turner, and Maynard Nexsen Partner David Robinson.

Gary summarized the theme of the event well, saying, “North Carolina is well-known as a top state for business and it’s time for us to be the best state for transitioning military.”

Through the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program, businesses can offer specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during a service member’s last 180 days of military service. The service members will continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, while industry partners evaluate a service member’s suitability for future employment.

N.C. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the importance of the effort at the event. “Veterans bring many skills and talents to our state’s workforce, and we benefit when they want to remain in North Carolina once they leave military service,” said Governor Stein. “That means making sure veterans and their families have access to good-paying jobs. The Bridging the Transition initiative reaffirms our commitment by connecting veterans and their families with opportunities as they transition out of active duty.”

The event this week marks the launch of a two-year pilot initiative to connect veterans with North Carolina’s business community, funded by a $750,000-grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

We encourage you to learn more about how your business can leverage the DOD SkillBridge program to access this skilled talent.