Mary-Louise Hoffman
Microsoft has moved to expand the reach of its educational program that aims to develop active-duty and former soldiers’ information technology skills for their civilian career transition.
The company will roll out Microsoft Software & Systems Academy courses at four U.S. Army bases in 2016 and at another installation in 2017, Chris Cortez, vice president of military affairs at Microsoft, wrote in an article published Thursday.
He said Microsoft collaborates with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to train MSSA participants in cloud IT development and administration, business intelligence and database management.
According to Cortez, 319 military personnel have completed MSSA training since its inception more than two years ago, and approximately 96 companies have hired program graduates to work for their organizations.
“Microsoft is on track to achieve its goal of hiring about a quarter of the service members it trains through MSSA and is collaborating closely with its hiring partners to open up opportunities for all who complete the program,” he added.
The program is currently available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, three U.S. Marine Corps facilities and several naval air stations.
