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SkillBridge Program-U.S. Navy-Trevor Bland-Water Authority SkillBridge Program intern-intern

Navy Vet Joins Water Authority as SkillBridge Program Intern

The San Diego County Water Authority’s new SkillBridge Program intern came ashore in the perfect location. Of all the adventures Trevor Bland’s military service has taken him on, he regards San Diego as his favorite. It is here where he enjoys physical fitness, trips to the beach and the city’s Mexican food scene.

Luckily, when Bland joined the Department of Defense SkillBridge program he didn’t have to go far.

Bland was assigned as a human resources analyst intern with the Water Authority in August after five years of Naval service. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, he says, gave him the skills to address personnel issues in the civilian workforce.

Navy experience benefits SkillBridge Program intern

“My time in the Navy taught me how to stay calm, think clearly and problem solve in high pressure situations,” Bland said. “This experience with problem mitigation and solutions prepared me for the many roles in the human resources department.”

After receiving his B.A. in Psychology from Suffolk University in 2019, Bland commissioned in the U.S. Navy. Inspired by his father’s service of more than 30 years, he says the path to service always felt natural.

Bland began his first naval tour aboard the USS Dewey in San Diego, where he served as a Repair Officer and Boarding Officer.

In August of 2021 when the USS Dewey’s homeport was transferred nearly 6,000 miles away to Yokosuka, Japan, Bland followed.

During this 12-month stay in the South China Sea, Bland led a team of 10 specially trained sailors in counter-piracy missions that tackled smuggling and theft.

Bland finished his military career in late 2022 with his second and final tour as the Auxiliaries Officer and Assistant Chief Engineer on board the USS Harpers Ferry.

Trevor Bland-SkillBridge Program-U.S. Navy-water jobs-Water Authority

“My time in the Navy taught me how to stay calm, think clearly and problem solve in high pressure situations,” Trevor Bland said. “This experience with problem mitigation and solutions prepared me for the many roles in the human resources department.” Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

SkillBridge Program intern gains new experience

Now at the Water Authority, Bland’s role includes promoting job openings, ensuring consistency among various HR projects and assisting other outgoing military personnel with their career changes.

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be intimidating, says Bland. Without a clear vision for one’s career path and daily life, many members leave the service fearful for the future.

“For the first time in however many years, the service member is alone in ensuring everything from their medical insurance to financial stability is in order, when prior to that, those benefits were awarded to them,” Bland said.

It’s at this pivot point where SkillBridge makes the difference. SkillBridge offers service members a chance to gain new experience and skills in the civilian workforce before they leave the military.

Upon joining the four-month program, members receive the same military benefits and pay they received on active duty while working full-time in a civilian field of their choice.

“When you’re in SkillBridge, you still have the security of your military career while experimenting with different jobs,” Bland said.

New perspectives for employers

Participation in the program not only helps service members, but it’s rewarding for employers as well. Employers gain early access to the new perspectives, diverse and dedicated skills that SkillBridge interns bring from years in the military.

“Interns like Trevor are a great addition to our department because they bring skills and a proven work ethic from the military that would otherwise be untapped if not for SkillBridge,” said Gretchen Spaniol, Water Authority acting director of human resources.

As the first public agency in California to partake in the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge Program, the Water Authority has led the way in integrating former military personnel into the water industry. Since joining the program in 2020, the Water Authority has welcomed eight military interns.

For the interns, the payoff is clear. “The cooperation and support provided by the Water Authority make this life change a lot less scary,” Bland said.

As the home to both Navy and Marine Corps families, San Diego has more than 110,000 active-duty personnel, with military families constituting nearly 8% of the county’s population. Of the more than 30,000 service members departing from the military each year in California, over half reside in the San Diego region.

The Water Authority’s successful participation in SkillBridge highlights the agency’s commitment to military personnel and families.

Water Authority Taps SkillBridge Program for Talented Veterans

The San Diego County Water Authority is the first public agency in California to participate in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which connects transitioning military service members to career-track job training opportunities. The regional initiative is off to a fast start with two SkillBridge interns starting their civilian careers at the Water Authority this summer.

Gerald Moore-SkillBridge Program-Water Jobs

Water Authority Taps SkillBridge Program for Talented Veterans

The San Diego County Water Authority is the first public agency in California to participate in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which connects transitioning military service members to career-track job training opportunities. The regional initiative is off to a fast start with two SkillBridge interns starting their civilian careers at the Water Authority this summer.

The Water Authority joined the federal program in June 2020, as part of an effort by the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies to meet the growing need for skilled water industry workers.

‘Silver tsunami’ of retirements in water industry

The opportunities for both transitioning servicemembers and local water agencies are significant. More than 30,000 service members separate from the military each year in California, and more than half are transitioning out of active duty in the San Diego region. Roughly half of the current water industry workforce in the San Diego region will be eligible to retire in the next 15 years – and approximately 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs are expected to open in the region in the next five years.

SkillBridge Program interns served in Navy

The Water Authority’s Operations & Maintenance Department recently welcomed two SkillBridge interns, Gerald Moore and Jamaal Benjamin, who each bring more than 15 years of experience in the Navy.

“We have seen the skills and aptitudes they learned in the military directly transfer to their work at the Water Authority,” said Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher. “At a time when a wave of retirements is impacting the water industry, the SkillBridge Program is an important way to meet our need for skilled workers.”

The Water Authority is benefitting from Moore’s background in operating and maintaining computer systems.

“The Water Authority is all about teamwork and service, and they’ve welcomed me to their team with open arms,” said Moore. “This is a new phase of my career and life. I’m excited to find out where this journey will take me.”

SkillBridge Program-Jamaal Benjamin-Military Veterans-Water Industry Jobs

“Having an opportunity to tap my military training and background in a civilian context is an ideal way to increase my career options in the water and wastewater industry,” said Jamaal Benjamin. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Benjamin is using his knowledge and experience working with complex electrical, electromechanical, and electrohydraulic systems to help maintain and repair critical water facilities.

“Having an opportunity to tap my military training and background in a civilian context is an ideal way to increase my career options in the water and wastewater industry,” said Benjamin.

Helping military veterans find jobs

A regional work group is implementing strategies to increase skilled workers for the water industry, with a focus on helping military veterans find jobs. Many of the Water Authority’s member agencies have also expressed interest in the SkillBridge Program.

“This is a unique opportunity to access a huge talent pool that can help us ensure the San Diego region will have the workforce to fill mission critical positions in the water industry,” said Christopher McKinney, chair of the regional work group and the director of utilities/assistant city manager for the City of Escondido.

Other regional efforts to help military veterans include state legislation co-sponsored by the Water Authority and Otay Water District that, when implemented, would provide a future avenue for veterans to receive credit for their military education and experience when applying for civilian water and wastewater system operator certifications in California.

Water industry job website

In addition, the San Diego County Water Authority maintains SanDiegoWaterWorks.org to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date list of regional water and wastewater industry job openings in one location, along with other information for veterans about career paths and internships.

SkillBridge Program

The Department of Defense created the SkillBridge Program in 2011 to give service members an opportunity to gain real-world training and work experience during their last 180 days of active service by interning at a civilian employer. The cost to partnering employers is minimal; employers pay no wages or benefits as service members continue to receive active duty pay and benefits during their internship.

For more information about regional job opportunities and training programs in the region’s water and wastewater industry go to: www.sandiegowaterworks.org/

Navy Helped San Diego Avoid Power Outages During Heat Wave

The U.S. Navy announced Wednesday it was again instrumental in helping California avoid power outages during Labor Day weekend’s statewide extreme heat event. The Navy’s efforts contributed a potential savings of approximately 16 megawatts (MW), keeping the peak load on Sunday under 47,000 MW, and saving enough energy to help prevent rolling blackouts through local neighborhoods and California.