Maricopa County is helping veterans as they leave the military. The Board of Supervisors recently approved a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. The program will provide internships for service members in the Skillbridge Program, which helps them transition to civilian jobs.
Veterans preparing to transition into public service will benefit from the program. "Skillbridge is a wonderful program that allows service members within six months of retirement the opportunity to ‘test drive’ a new career in public service while still employed with the Department of Defense," Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said in a county's release. The partnership provides work experience and helps bring veterans’ skills into the county workforce. Maricopa County has a history of valuing veterans, with 8% of its workforce made up of active or retired military personnel.
Previous partnerships with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families have placed Skillbridge participants in county departments, with some moving into full-time roles. Jason Booth, a program participant and current employee in the Parks and Recreation Department, shared his experience with the county news outlet. "Not only did I get my foot in the door with Maricopa County, I also got to spend my last few weeks of a 20-year military career decompressing in the beautiful White Tank Mountains. I have been with the county ever since!" he said, as per county's release.
After the Board’s vote, Maricopa County and the Department of Defense have formalized an agreement to place at least five Skillbridge service members in county internships each year. During the internships, service members will continue to receive their salary and benefits from the Department of Defense.
More information about the county’s veteran support programs is available on the Maricopa County Veterans Resources page.
