Clario Appraisal Network, Inc., a full-service residential real estate appraisal firm and sister company of real estate valuation and analytics fintech leader Clear Capital, has partnered with SkillBridge, a Department of Defense (DoD) program for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service, the company announced in a release.

Clario said it is the first and only appraisal firm to become SkillBridge-approved and joins leading companies in other industries, including Lowes, Amazon and ADP.

Through the partnership with SkillBridge, Clario’s training program will employ up to 35 active service members transitioning to civilian life in the next 12 months, the company said. Following a six-month internship, veterans will be equipped with the skills to enter a career as an appraiser trainee upon their return home.

 “SkillBridge provides an invaluable opportunity for service members to work and learn in civilian career areas, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this program, paving the way for the appraisal industry,” Clario Southwestern Region Manager Frank Ugenti said in the release. “We’re focused on expanding our network of appraisers and look forward to continually enrolling recruits along the way through this program.”

Clario said its growth is unprecedented, expanding from 38 staff appraisers in 2019 to almost 100 by the end of 2020, and is on target to employ 180 staff appraisers by the end of 2021.

“We’re excited about the partnership between Clario and SkillBridge as we collectively prioritize encouraging diversity in the real estate and appraisal industries,” Clear Capital co-founder and CEO Duane Andrews said. “The diverse makeup of the armed forces is one of its greatest assets, and this program will encourage diversity and inclusion within the appraiser community.”

These gains will be accomplished using the SkillBridge program in conjunction with recruiting seasoned appraisers who have a proven track record of quality and service.

“As a retired United States Marine, I would have jumped at the chance to participate in a program like SkillBridge,” James Heaslet, chief appraiser for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said. “The transition to civilian life is one of the most challenging times for a veteran. It is exciting to see the appraisal industry step into the veteran's outreach space - kudos to Clario for leading the way.”