What is the United Services Military Apprenticeship?

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) provides military personnel to upgrade their job skills and eventually earn a certificate of completion on Registered Apprenticeship.

Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard service personnel can complete an apprenticeship while on duty from one of the 124 apprenticeable occupations. They are free to choose any field provided it is connected with their occupation as men in uniform.’’

USMAP provides men in uniform the opportunity to advance their skills in preparation of their return to the civilian workforce. Currently, there are close to 65,000 enrolled and active apprentices.

USMAP was implemented in 1999. It stemmed from consolidating the apprenticeship programs of the US Naval and US Marine Corps. In 2007, the apprenticeship program of the US Coast Guard has been incorporated. This has expanded the program and allowed more service members to take advantage of.

USMAP provides service members to take an active role in preparing their path to a civilian career. It also ensures that they can provide for their families by being gainfully employed outside the military.

By 2011, close to 5,500 service men have earned their apprentice completion certificate.

According to Capt. John Newcomer, the program has demonstrated that military personnel are at par with their civilian counterparts. Newcomer is the commanding officer of the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD). USMAP is implemented under the CPPD.

Newcomer said that the program has produced sailor-graduates with strong analytical skills and capable of making informed choices. He also encouraged more sailors to take advantage of the program.