This Apprenticeship Program Is Good News for the Missouri National Guard
Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program for the Missouri National Guard
The Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program has come to the Missouri National Guard. This program will allow military training and experience to qualify towards an apprenticeship certification in an industry-driven field.
Guard Members Can Be Certified In Up to Nearly 200 Occupations
This program will allow the Guard members to get certified, with just under 200 occupations available, making this the largest U.S. program of its kind. This was created with the coordination between the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workplace Development.
Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program
According to the Governor, Michael L. Parson, “We are so proud of our military men and women here in Missouri. This program, which takes military training and turns it into a nationally recognized credential, is just one more way we can show our support for the folks who serve and support us. The Project Eagle Apprenticeship Program allows service members to earn a credential that can translate into career advancements, helping bridge the gap between military and civilian life.”
Within this program, the Missouri National Guard will register as an apprenticeship sponsor, and the program is open to both the Missouri Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The program will be a no-cost benefit for these service members, who will then receive an apprenticeship credential upon completing their on-the-job learning hours. There is a requirement of 2,080 on-the-job training hours. The programs are tailored to any enlisted MOS or AFSC in the Missouri National Guard.
While 2,080 hours is standard for a full-year program, federal Registered Apprenticeship standards require a minimum of 2,000 hours per year. Project Eagle may help prior military experience and concurrent civilian employment count toward or expedite these hours.
Eligibility Requirements
According to the Missouri National Guard, in order to participate, service members must:
- Hold a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code compatible with the selected trade title and description found on found on USMAP at https://usmap.osd.mil/armyMOS.htm.
- Be a member of Missouri National Guard.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a High School diploma or GED equivalency upon completion.
- Be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program without posing a safety hazard to themselves or others.
- Be satisfactorily performing their military duties and in good standing with their Chain of Command.
- Have a minimum of 12 months of service obligation remaining.
- Complete a probationary period that may not exceed 25% of the program length or 1 year, whichever is shorter.
- Participate in the program no less than one year to complete unless previous experience is applied.
Use Their Time in Service Towards Expanding Their Career Goals
Missouri has around 10,000 National Guard members. This program will give them a leg up in their civilian jobs and allow them to use time in service to advance their career goals. Apprenticeship programs can be a great way for those in the workforce to be able to learn new skills, learn from a mentor, and be able to be paid while they are doing so. In order to find out more information about the program, or to apply and participate, please visit the Missouri National Guard website.
