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Representative Angie Craig Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Connect National Guard & Reservists with In-Demand Skills Training, Employment

July 28, 2021

Transition for Success Act would expand Department of Defense career training programs to National Guard, Reserve servicemembers

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped lead the introduction of the Transition for Success Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide in-demand skills training and employment assistance to members of National Guard and Reserve who are within 180 days of transitioning into civilian life. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found that only one in four veterans said they had a civilian job lined up after they left the military. Among post-9/11 veterans, 43% reported that it took them more than six months after leaving their service to find a job, with 6% of those reporting that they did not find a job at all.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense offers access to the SkillBridge program to active duty servicemembers transitioning out of their military service. SkillBridge connects departing servicemembers to in-demand skills training and prospective employers who are ready to hire. The Transition for Success Act would expand access to the SkillBridge program by allowing all National Guard and Reserve servicemembers to participate in the program upon departing military service.

"Each and every one of our nation's Veterans deserve access to training and resources when returning to civilian life, including members of the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves who stepped up at home or overseas when we needed them most," said Representative Craig. "I'm proud to help introduce the bipartisan Transition for Success Act to extend access to the successful SkillBridge program to members of the National Guard and Reserves when they depart military service."

The legislation was introduced with the bipartisan support of Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA), William Timmons (R-SC), Conor Lamb (D-PA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Mike Bost (R-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Michael San Nicolas (D-GU).

The Department of Defense projects that the legislation would lead to a 30% increase in participation in the SkillBridge program. In 2019, only 8,600 servicemembers utilized the program.

The legislation has the endorsement of key employers that partner with the SkillBridge program, including Microsoft, Amazon, the National Association of Homebuilders, and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA).The bill is also endorsed by nationally respected veterans organizations, including National Guard Association of the U.S. (NGAUS), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S. (EANGUS), Veterans for Common Sense, and more.

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found that only one in four veterans said they had a civilian job lined up after they left the military. Among post-9/11 veterans, 43% reported that it took them more than six months after leaving their service to find a job, with 6% of those reporting that they did not find a job at all.

Issues:Veterans