MELE has been a proud industry partner within the Department of Defense’s (DoD) SkillBridge program (SkillBridge) since 2023. The DoD created the program in 2011 to help the 200,000 or so U.S. Armed Forces members that leave active duty each year to pursue higher education opportunities or careers in the private sector. (Source: DoD)
SkillBridge connects veterans with industry-leading partners like MELE and others to gain private sector job experience. Program participants receive industry-specific training through apprenticeships and internships during their last 180 days of military service. As part of SkillBridge, participants receive their full military salary and benefits while working directly with organizations seeking to develop and hire new talent.
Since its first SkillBridge intern class of 2023, MELE has had the privilege of working with several SkillBridge participants exploring the move from the military to private sector careers.
Joel K. was MELE’s most recent SkillBridge intern. The partnership has turned out to be a great success for Joel and MELE.
Prior to entering SkillBridge, Joel served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He began his Army career in the infantry but spent the final 16 years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. Part of that 16 years of service included serving for six years with an ordnance company that supports the Department of Energy (DOE).
While supporting the DOE, Joel and his wife fell in love with the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. After deciding to leave the military, they wanted to explore career options that would allow them to stay in the region. When he started his terminal leave (a leave period that can be taken before retiring from the military), Joel learned about SkillBridge via the Clearance Jobs website. He eventually submitted a job application for an open position at MELE, and after connecting with the MELE hiring team, Joel entered SkillBridge in July 2024.
At the end of his SkillBridge tenure, MELE hired Joel as a full time Operational Radiography Analyst. He is now supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Nuclear Incident Response’s NA-84 Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) Standards & Training Program (NSTP).
“I knew a few folks that worked at MELE already, and the radiography community is small, so I was aware of MELE’s strong reputation. I had the radiography and ordnance experience that MELE was looking for so it was a great fit. I am a problem solver by nature and this is an exciting opportunity. I love helping to build programs. It’s something I did throughout my military career,” shared Joel.
“Joel has been an outstanding addition to the NEST Standards and Training Program. The SkillBridge process was straightforward and the transition to full employment was smooth and effortless. This program truly benefits everyone involved. We’re excited to have Joel’s extensive technical and leadership experience on board,” shared MELE Vice President Deanna Cammarata.
While landing a job at MELE happened quickly, Joel understands firsthand that making the decision to leave the military can be incredibly stressful.
“You get comfortable in the military—you have these guaranteed things and moving into the civilian world is challenging. SkillBridge helped me feel much more comfortable and secure making this transition. Plus, the program provides tremendous opportunities to people just like me to find a private sector career in a field that matches one’s interests. That’s exactly what happened with my new role at MELE,” he added.
“MELE has been great. My supervisors are highly responsive and open. I felt like I had been accepted into the family even before I was hired,” Joel stated.
Joel appreciates the work-life balance he has found since retiring from the military, moving through the SkillBridge program, and starting a new career at MELE.
“I’ve been married for 17 years and have two young children and it is awesome to be able to be home more and be a part of everyone’s life, which is really important to me. I have more time and we have more time as a family to enjoy Albuquerque, which is a great city to live in if you enjoy the outdoors like we do,” stated Joel.
“I told another teammate of mine when he was starting to transition out of the military that the SkillBridge program provides a soft-landing. I told him it’s been a great experience and I feel very fortune to have found this new career opportunity with MELE and a private-sector field that matches my skills and interests,” he added.
To learn more about SkillBridge and what it can offer, visit the organization’s website here or email MELE’s SkillBridge coordinator at Amy.Goodrich@MeleAssociates.com.
