ForgeNow is a fast-track, 6-week trade school offering hands-on training in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, or Facilities Maintenance.

Unlike traditional programs that take 6+ months, ForgeNow operates Monday to Friday, 7 AM–4 PM, resembling an immersive summer school. Students graduate at the apprentice level and receive lifetime job placement assistance to secure employment across the country, often before completing the program.

Students living more than 30 miles away from ForgeNow are provided with housing, uniforms, a starter kit of Milwaukee hand tools, daily catered lunches, and comprehensive job placement support.

Students traveling over 30 miles are provided a shared hotel room with a roommate. Spouses and dependents are not allowed to stay during the 6 weeks of training.

ForgeNow is one of the few SkillBridge programs to offer housing. Service animals with proper documentation are permitted.

Classes run Monday through Friday, 7 AM–4 PM, for a total of 297.5 hours. Missing more than 10% of

the course without approval is not allowed. Exceptions for excused absences are handled on a case-by-case basis.

ForgeNow’s job placement team supports students with:

• Identifying preferred job locations.

• Crafting trade-specific resumes, highlighting past skills and certifications.

• Preparing for interviews with mock sessions, elevator pitches, and soft skills training.

• Coordinating interviews with employers (in-person or virtual).

Students start interviewing by Week 4, aiming for job placement before graduation. SkillBridge participants returning to installations post-training are supported remotely to secure employment.

Job placement assistance is available for life.

Students are housed with peers who often have vehicles, and ForgeNow coordinates carpooling to and from class.

The only costs beyond tuition are:

• Travel to and from Dallas (Army AER Grants may help).

• Dinners and weekend expenses.

ForgeNow covers breakfast (provided by the hotel), lunch, uniforms, tools, and all certification-related fees.

Students with existing certifications will either upgrade to the next level or be offered a different certification not included in the standard program.

Even with prior experience, ForgeNow provides certifications and training tailored to civilian market needs.

Students with a background in the trade are guided to leverage their experience during interviews, making them strong candidates.

Students can attend multiple programs sequentially. ForgeNow assists with scheduling to ensure smooth transitions between programs.

Veterans using their GI Bill for multiple programs receive the applicable housing allowance (BAH) for each.

• State ID

• Diploma or GED

• Any past transcripts

• VA Certificate of Eligibility

• DD-214

• VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Benefits)

• ForgeNow’s application form

Week 1 focuses on classroom training for nationally recognized certifications.

Weeks 2–6 are hands-on in the lab, using provided tools to practice apprentice-level tasks such as installation, repair, and diagnostics.

During training, students work with the job placement team, attend interviews, and engage with employers.

Weekends are free to explore DFW metroplex.

ForgeNow’s catalog, a comprehensive 92-page PDF, is available on the homepage in the footer

Apply at least 30 days in advance. Veterans should request VA Certificates of Eligibility early, as

processing can take weeks. SkillBridge applicants should start paperwork as soon as possible to secure necessary command approvals.

• Veterans: Tuition is covered by 5.5 months of the GI Bill. Veterans also receive BAH (approximately $2,400 per month in Dallas) during training.

• Non-military: Tuition is $12,000. A minimum of $3,000 is required upfront, with financing options available for the remainder.

Spouses or dependents with GI Bill benefits may also enroll.

How do I get started?

• Veterans: Visit www.ForgeNow.com/Transition and submit your information.

• Non-veterans: Visit www.ForgeNow.com and use the “Request Info” form.

An admissions advisor will contact you to guide you through the next steps.