SMLA Michigan’s Government line of business began in February 2013, at the onset of their approval from the Army to be one of the first Career skills programs at FT. Hood which today is known as the DOD Skillbridge program part of the soldier for life transition program. SMLA Michigan provides training in SAP the world’s largest business ERP solution software as well as job placement to transitioning soldiers.
SMLA Michigan is the education and operational arm of the SAP Veterans to Work program and provides education, career guidance and supportive services to transitioning soldiers, active-duty service members and spouses. The partnership initiated at Fort Hood and since then has grown to the following bases nationwide.
Fort Hood
Fort Bliss
MI TACOM
Fort Polk
JBSA
What is the Army’s Career Skills program & SkillBridge?
The Army’s Career Skills Program falls under The Veterans Opportunity to Work and Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (VOW Act) and requires service members separating from the military to attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The VOW Act also required the U.S. Department of Labor to redesign its employment workshop, the largest component of the TAP curriculum, to be more applicable to the realities of today's job market.
The Career Services program affords transitioning soldiers:
- the opportunity to participate in first-class apprenticeships, on-the-job training (OJT), job shadowing, and employment skills training up to 180 days prior to separation from the Army.
- the opportunity to move into high-demand and highly-skilled jobs.
What is the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program?
The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program increases the Soldier’s value to and competitiveness of the Army through helping Soldiers attain industry recognized credentials. Credentialing Soldiers improves Army readiness through retention of quality Soldiers, enhances Soldier career progression, and provides Soldiers with skills and capabilities reflective of civilian qualifications. Funding is provided for voluntary off-duty courses and/or exams leading to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential listed in the Army COOL website.
Scholarship for Military Spouses
The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in Portable Career Fields.
Who is eligible for the MyCAA Scholarship Program?
Military spouses meeting the following criteria are eligible to participate in the MyCAA Scholarship program: Spouses of service members on Active Duty, under Title 10 orders Spouses of service members with pay grades of E-1 through E-5, W-1 through W-2, O-1 through O-2.