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CAE chosen as partner in DOD training program

Melinda Waldrop //March 3, 2022//

CAE chosen as partner in DOD training program

Melinda Waldrop //March 3, 2022//

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The Columbia Metropolitan Airport has been chosen as a partner in a U.S. Department of Defense program that partners servicemen and women with companies for internship and training opportunities.

The SkillBridge program is open to those with six months or less of active-duty service remaining and have an approved separation date under honorable conditions. The program currently includes more than 250 industry partners such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Home Depot.

“Opening the doors of CAE and welcoming in members of the military after they’ve served our country is a special privilege,” Mike Gula, CAE executive director, said in a news release. “So far, two participants have successfully completed the SkillBridge program at CAE. This mutually beneficial program is one CAE is proud to support.”

CAE is the only airport in South Carolina currently participating in the SkillBridge program, according to the release.

Chris Davis is one of the CAE SkillBridge participants. After starting in the airport’s operations department as an intern, Davis, who has a master’s in human resources, moved into the position of human resources manager when a team member retired.

“I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program prior to my military retirement,” Davis said. “This program provided me an invaluable opportunity to transition from a uniformed Senior Noncommissioned Officer overseeing six military airfields from a strategic standpoint to wearing slacks and a collared shirt navigating my way through life in a civilian labor force. On my first day at CAE, I had no idea it would turn into this full-time opportunity, and I’m so grateful for this program and CAE. SkillBridge is definitely a win-win for all involved.”

Two new SkillBridge program participants are starting their internships this week at CAE, working in the human resources and engineering departments. 

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