Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI)
Mission:
The Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) assists Veterans and service members with their transition from active duty to civilian life.
MEWI enhances employment opportunities for Virginians who have served in the United States Military, and their spouses, by providing a pathway to education, training, certifications, and technology.
Goals:
- Assist institutions with creating internship opportunities for Military and Veteran affiliated students
- Facilitate the employment of military-related graduates by connecting them to V3-certified companies
- Create employment credentialing pathways through community partnerships
- Equip Military-connected students with the necessary technology to aid them in their educational endeavors.
Significance:
Military-related students represent a growing pipeline of talent to Virginia employers. However, these students face obstacles that traditional student may not, which can impede their ability to complete degrees and certifications. MEWI focuses on assisting the education and training of Military-connected students by providing them with the equipment and opportunities to meet the needs of their academic and career aspirations.
The Military Education and Training Workforce Initiative (formerly known as the Training and Education Alliance) is possible through a generous grant from the Altria Group. Developed with the guidance of a steering committee of 13 Virginia Colleges and Universities combined with in-depth research into the best practices of educational institutions across the United States, the program is both well researched and practical.
The Military Education and Workforce Initiative is seeking to partner with Virginia Institutions and employers to build the Virginia Veteran workforce to meet the growing talent demands of employers with well-educated, trained, and certified Veterans. Join us today!
The Virginia
SkillBridge Program
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved Virginia Skillbridge Program provides transitioning service members the opportunity to network with Veteran Certified employers offering internships to eligible applicants, with commander approval, up to six months prior to separation. Participation in the Virginia SkillBridge program while still serving in the military allows you to gain marketable skills and experience to enhance your civilian career opportunities.
Virginia SkillBridge Program- Available Internships
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Current List of Virginia SkillBridge Internships
To view the most up-to-date list of available internship opportunities, click the link above. The listing of available Virginia SkillBridge internships is updated often, so check regularly to see if a new opportunity is right for you. Before selecting a company to pursue, be sure to visit the company’s website to learn more about them.
Virginia SkillBridge FAQs
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What is it?
A Department of Defense, DoD, approved SkillBridge program.
What does it do?
Facilitates internship opportunities between certified employers and service members.
Who is it for?
Transitioning service members 180 days out from separation.
Why should I enroll?
Provides valuable skills and industry experience in the private sector, while still on active duty.
How does it work?
Training occurs in lieu of duty for eligible applicants, with command approval, up to six months prior to separation.
Are you an interested Transitioning Service Member?
Virginia SkillBridge Program
Service Member Portal
Interested Employer?
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Participating employers can benefit from excellent skill sets such as leadership, performance under pressure, professionalism, and teamwork oriented.
The Virginia SkillBridge Program currently offers approved employers the opportunity to support transitioning service members by providing them an opportunity to experience civilian employment at no cost to their organization, while the service members are still on active duty, improving the employer’s opportunity to recruit transitioning service members.
Virginia SkillBridge Employer Application
Virginia SkillBridge Employer Monthly Tracking
Military Educational Enhancement Programs
Military Education Enhancement Programs are created to provide Military-connected students with education, training, certifications and technology to create employees with industry standards and requirements that employers strive for.
Military Student Technology Initiative
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Virginia Department of Veterans Services Military Student Laptop Application
Through a generous grant from the Altria Group, MEWI was able to partner with the Veterans Services Foundation, the Virginia Community College System and Tech 4 Troops to establish the Veteran Technology Initiative. Through this effort refurbished laptops are available through Virginia Commonwealth University, Brightpoint Community College and Reynolds Community College for Veterans and Military Spouses.
Apply for enrollment in the Military Education Workforce Technology Project.
Apply Now!
Pathways to Employment
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In demand, high paying careers are made possible by industry leading educational certifications. Now these certifications are made available to Veterans, spouses, and active duty service members free of charge. This is made possible through the Virginia Department of Veteran Services partnership with the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), Altria Group, and the Veteran Service Foundation to provide Veterans, spouses, and active duty service members with a CCWA Credentialing Grant.
Participants are eligible to enroll with the CCWA in order to obtain the following certifications for free:
MT1
Comptia Security+
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Logistics Associate
Logistics Technician
OSHA Training
Lean Practitioner
Manufacturing Specialist
Comptia A+
Comptia Network+
Learn About Certifications Now!
Vets on Campus Resources
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Veterans entering college following military service often do not have the same college preparation guidance afforded to traditional college students. As a result, they may find themselves at a disadvantage when transitioning into and functioning successfully within a college environment. Click below to learn more about specific resources for Veteran and Military-related students.
Learn More Now!
Upcoming Events:
VDVS Networking and Hiring Events
If you are currently transitioning and want an opportunity to meet employers in a more casual environment, join us at one of our hiring and networking events hosted throughout the state with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and other local partners. Click below for more information on the HIRE VETS NOW Hiring and Networking Events.
Additional dates and registration links are below. Please keep in mind our training is always free and virtual for your convenience.
See Events Now!
Read Our Executive Summary
Questions?
| Contact the Military Education & Workforce Initiatives | |
|
Military Education & Workforce Initiatives Email: mewi@dvs.virginia.gov |
| Name | Title | Contact Information |
|
John Hall |
Military Education & Workforce Initiatives Manager |
804-482-8494 john.hall@dvs.virginia.gov |
|
Zuri Polk |
Military Education & Workforce Initiatives Coordinator |
804-898-9215 zuri.polk@dvs.virginia.gov |