Skills-based fellowships for transitioning service members and military spouses focus on developing the skills needed to launch successful careers in high-demand fields such as skilled trades, technology, administration, and finance.
The fellowships provide relevant workplace experience paired with upskilling, offering a competitive edge into these careers.
Fellowship Hosts
Matching with a Host Company
Fellowship candidates are carefully matched with participating companies based on the specific skills of the candidate and the preferences of both parties.
Once matched with a host company, candidates undergo exclusive on-the-job training at their host company, gaining firsthand experience in the private sector. This real-world experience is augmented by weekly educational sessions, held in a virtual setting.
Program Dates
Program Timeline for Service Member Fellows
Transitioning service member fellows must be within 180 days of transition from military service at the time of the 12-week program, and their program participation must align with one of the cohorts at right.
Military spouses do not have a required timeline for completing the program; participants have monthly opportunities to match with hosts and participate in rolling 12-week placements.
2024 - Cohort 1Application Deadline: October 12, 2023
January 8 – March 28, 2024
2024 - Cohort 2Application Deadline - February 15, 2024
April 29 – July 18, 2024
2024 - Cohort 3Application Deadline: June 6, 2024
August 26 – November 14, 2024
Program Schedule
Gain Experience and Training
Skills-based fellowships are available nationwide in host cities around the country. Fellows spend four days per week gaining new skills with their host company and one day in fellowship huddles with other participants in the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Transitioning Service Members
Skills-based fellowships are a DoD SkillBridge program open to non-degreed transitioning service member candidates. Service member candidates must have a timeline that aligns with the program and must meet these requirements:
Be on active duty or transition leave
Be within 180 days of transition from military service at the time of the 12-week program
Obtain command support to participate in the program
Eligibility Requirements
Military Spouses
Skills-based fellowships are open to non-degreed military spouses. Military spouse candidate requirements include:
At least 1 year of work experience.
Reside within the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii.
Currently unemployed or expecting an upcoming relocation which will cause an employment gap.
Fellows must be able to work in person and have transportation available. Friday classroom sessions are virtual. Those seeking remote fellowships only will not be accepted into the program.
All applicants are highly encouraged to attend an HOH Amplify career development intensive, either virtually or in-person. Learn more about Amplify »
Program Locations
The program is available nationwide. Fellows must be willing to participate in a fellowship virtually or in person, based on host company requirements.
The Skills-Based Fellowship Program is a DoD Skillbridge program open to all non-degreed, transitioning service member candidates whose timeline aligns with the program and who meet these requirements:
Transitioning service member fellows must be on active duty
Transitioning service member fellows must be within 180 days of transition from military service at the time of the 12-week program
Transitioning service member fellows must obtain command approval to participate in the program
Military spouses are eligible to participate in a skills-based fellowship.
The Skills-Based Fellowship Program is an approved Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. Transitioning service members from any branch of service may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. DoD Instruction 1322.29 allows service members to participate in the program with command approval. Applicants must visit their local transition assistance office to obtain approval paperwork. For further information about the DoD Skillbridge Program, click here.
A fellow who demonstrates progress and proves to be a good fit for their host company will have the opportunity to interview for an open position. Fellows will also be able to network with other companies within the fellowship program and interviews may be offered, given the proven track record of a fellow’s success.
The 12-week program is held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fellows attend an initial week of preparation through HOH, followed by 11 weeks of on-the-job training with their selected organization. Host company training takes place Monday through Thursday, with a day of mandatory classroom instruction every Friday.No non-emergency leave will be taken while participating in the 12-week program.
Once your application is received, our Career Connector team will contact you at the email address you provided. Your Career Connector will offer further details about the program, including additional application requirements, a resource list, and timelines.
Our Fellows Programs have hundreds of participating companies, including small, medium, and large businesses. Participating employers and companies vary depending on location and remote opportunities.
No, there is no cost associated with program participation for job seekers or employers. The certification training courses offered to fellows are provided by our partner, Simplilearn, at no cost to the service member. Certification exams are not included in the program.
