Beginning August 10, Columbus Technical College will launch 15 Department of War-approved SkillBridge programs at the new COL Ralph Puckett Workforce Development Center (The Puckett Center). The new programs coincide with the opening of the Puckett Center for the Fall Semester and expand career transition opportunities for active-duty service members preparing to enter the civilian workforce.

The Department of War SkillBridge Program allows eligible service members in their final 180 days of active duty to participate in civilian career training while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. The same workforce training opportunities are also available to veterans and military spouses seeking to launch or advance civilian careers.

The 15 approved SkillBridge programs are:

-Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
-Logistics Management Specialist
-Basic Machinist
-Industrial Electrician
-Basic Electrical Technician
-Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder
-Gas Metal / Tungsten Arc Welder
-Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
-Medical Coding Specialist
-Cybersecurity Fundamentals
-Network Technician
-AWS Cloud Solutions Specialist

-Generative AI Technician
-Java Programmer
-Paralegal

"Whether someone is transitioning through SkillBridge, has already completed military service, or is a military spouse building a career, the Puckett Center exists to help them succeed," said Corey Woods, Vice President of Workforce Solutions and COO of The Puckett Center.

The programs align with regional workforce needs in transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, information technology, logistics, public safety, and professional services. Participants will gain industry-recognized credentials, hands-on training, and connections to employers throughout West Georgia and East Alabama.

For more information about SkillBridge opportunities at the COL Ralph Puckett Workforce Development Center, visit www.columbustech.edu/puckettcenter or email [email protected].