NPower Welcomes Jarrett A. Thomas II as Executive Director to Enhance Cybersecurity Training for Veterans

Jarrett A. Thomas II Takes the Helm at NPower SkillBridge

In a pivotal move aimed at boosting support for transitioning service members, NPower, a national tech training nonprofit, has appointed Colonel (Ret.) Jarrett A. Thomas II as the Executive Director of its SkillBridge program. This initiative, approved by the Department of Defense, is dedicated to offering free, intensive hands-on cybersecurity training to service members in their final months of active duty.

Thomas brings with him a wealth of experience, having led complex organizations within the Army for over 30 years. His most recent achievement was as the Director of the U.S. Army's Soldier for Life program, where he spearheaded wide-reaching efforts to assist over a million service members, veterans, and their families. Through his tireless commitment, he has cultivated a reputation for effective leadership, especially in empowering military personnel to pursue fulfilling careers post-service.

With the SkillBridge program entering its third year, Thomas’s mission will be to further enhance the initiative that has already helped 516 graduates secure roles in the booming fields of cybersecurity and information technology. Participants of the SkillBridge program gain access to not just training, but also invaluable industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, and Splunk Core Certified User, in addition to comprehensive job placement support.

Inspired by the valuable impact of the SkillBridge program, Thomas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm honored to join NPower and excited to support the continued growth and impact of the SkillBridge program. This work represents a powerful opportunity to equip transitioning service members with the skills and pathways they need for successful civilian cybersecurity or IT careers."

The statistics speak volumes about the program's success. An impressive 81% of SkillBridge graduates have secured employment or pursued further education, with 97% earning recognized cybersecurity certifications. The retreat of active-duty service members into civilian life is daunting, but NPower’s holistic approach blends technical training with mentorship and life-transition support, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for high-demand IT roles.

The leadership of NPower is optimistic about the new chapter under Thomas’s guidance. Bea Tassot, VP of Field Operations and Military Programs at NPower, emphasized the program's strong momentum, explaining, "With experienced leadership, proven outcomes, and instructors who understand the military-to-civilian transition firsthand, our SkillBridge program is delivering results for service members and employers alike."

Additionally, the team's deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life will be instrumental in refining and extending the reach of the SkillBridge program. Whether guiding service members through skills development or connecting them to potential employers, the focus remains clear: to enhance the future prospects of those who have served the nation.

NPower has been on a mission since 2008 to launch tech careers through free training, personalized support, and job placement assistance, having trained over 12,000 individuals so far. With programs operational in 16 cities, NPower is not just committed to technology careers but is also focused on building a workforce that truly reflects the diverse potential of the community.

In line with its ambition to train 15,000 students annually by 2030, NPower’s strategic plans encompass continuous expansion to provide accessibility to tech careers for military-connected individuals, strengthening their role in the digital economy.

For more insights on the impactful NPower SkillBridge program, additional details are available at NPower’s SkillBridge page.

Thomas’s recruitment marks an exciting new chapter for NPower, reinforcing their commitment to aiding military-connected individuals as they navigate important life transitions towards rewarding career opportunities in the tech arena. With his rich background and dedication to service, the future looks promising for transitioning service members seeking to thrive in the cybersecurity sector.