Military Talent Programs
Federally established programs that let you try before you hire — at little to no cost.
Free Employer Support
Meet with Veterans of California
The Veterans of California office is a free service dedicated to generating more military-friendly companies, connecting private and public employers with our military community, and simplifying the military transition process and employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses. We'll help you navigate military talent program implementation, consult on building a military-friendly internal culture, or launch a MERG.
The federal government built these programs to solve a hiring problem for employers, not just a transition problem for the military. They remove the two things that stall most hiring decisions: cost and uncertainty. You get to work alongside a candidate for weeks or months, at little or no labor expense, before anyone signs an offer letter. If the fit is right, you convert. If it isn't, you've spent almost nothing — and you've still supported the mission.
DoW SkillBridge
Formerly branded “DoD SkillBridge.”
The Department of War SkillBridge program lets transitioning service members intern with your company during their final 180 days of service — while the military continues to pay their salary and benefits. You get access to highly motivated, security-cleared talent at zero labor cost, with no wage-and-hour or federal contracting obligations, and a built-in pathway to a full-time hire.
Practically, SkillBridge is a fully funded working interview. You evaluate performance in your environment, on your systems, against your standards — and extend an offer only when the fit is proven.
SkillBridge for EmployersSpouseWorks
Formerly known as SECO.
SpouseWorks (formerly SECO) connects employers to a network of 1,000+ military spouse-friendly companies and offers a 12-week paid SpouseWorks Fellowship placing skilled, career-ready military spouses with host employers — a low-risk way to add loyal, adaptable talent.
The Military Spouse Employer Partnership (MSEP) is the flagship employer-facing initiative within SpouseWorks: a curated partner network that gives your open roles direct visibility to a national pipeline of military spouse candidates actively seeking portable, long-term careers.
SpouseWorks for EmployersFree Employer Support
Meet with Veterans of California
The Veterans of California office is a free service dedicated to generating more military-friendly companies, connecting private and public employers with our military community, and simplifying the military transition process and employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses. We'll help you navigate military talent program implementation, consult on building a military-friendly internal culture, or launch a MERG.