October 8, 2020 — Southwest Research Institute and Joint Base San Antonio will sign a memorandum of understanding today to establish an internship program for service members transitioning out of the military to receive on-the-job-training at SwRI.
The Air Force Community Partnership Program Providing Transition Career Skills Training, administered under the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program, provides opportunities for civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of active duty. The agreement establishes the parameters of the program and outlines the responsibilities of SwRI, JBSA and each intern.
“We are very pleased to offer internships to these well-qualified individuals who are transitioning from military service into civilian life,” said SwRI President and CEO Adam L. Hamilton, P.E. “Since our founding in 1947, SwRI has supported federal agencies in numerous areas that advance science and technology for the benefit of all. This internship program continues that tradition and will help provide the service members with the skills, practice and experience necessary to succeed in the private sector.”
“Air Force Community Partnerships are agreements between public and private entities established for the greater good, and this memorandum of understanding between JBSA and Southwest Research Institute is the epitome of that idea,” said Brig. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, 502d Air Base Wing and JBSA commander. “The knowledge and experience our transitioning service members will receive through these internships, along with the support they receive from our Skillbridge and Career Skills Programs, will be instrumental in developing their careers beyond their honorable military service.”
Participating service members will be offered the opportunity to work in various scientific and engineering research, testing and development activities — SwRI’s core business. Interns will be supervised and mentored by SwRI staff members with advanced knowledge in technical areas of interest. SwRI’s Human Resources Department will assist with industry-tailored resume preparation, job search and interview techniques as appropriate and will provide networking opportunities that could help participants connect with staff members across the Institute. Although not guaranteed, SwRI may extend an offer for a full-time position at the completion of the internship. Interns will receive full military pay and benefits while enrolled in the program.
Headquartered in San Antonio, SwRI is a nonprofit, independent research and development organization with about 3,000 employees in nine technical divisions providing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most challenging scientific and engineering problems.
The signing ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Alamo Area Council of Governments.
If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact skillbridge@swri.org. Media inquiries, please contact Deb Schmid, +1 210 522 2254, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166.