The Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is offering free Veteran training to military and Veteran community. This free, formal training takes place in some of the technology industry’s most in-demand roles. Transitioning service members’ and Veterans’ experiences often uniquely prepare and qualify them for the skills and security clearances technology companies need.
What is the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)?
MSSA is an industry-leading educational program designed specifically to support members of the military community, including transitioning service members and Veterans, with job skills, training, mentorship and other professional support to successfully transition to a career in technology. Courses and professional networking are offered online, and students can access developed comprehensive learning paths for careers as cloud application developers and server and cloud administrators.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA).
What does the MSSA program cover?
MSSA provides 16-17 weeks of online training for high-demand careers in cloud development or cloud administration. MSSA also offers a Tech Transition Toolkit with simple tips for how you can build a career in technology, including how to create a strong resume, learn “tech lingo” to sound like a pro, set up your virtual workspace, use your virtual professional network to your advantage, and learn lessons from MSSA graduates.
CLICK HERE for stories on MSSA graduates and their careers in technology.
Program graduates have an opportunity to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft. Since MSSA launched in 2013, more than 90% of graduates hired by Microsoft have stayed on the job two years and longer.
MSSA also works with other companies to help them become more “Veteran-ready” rather than just “Veteran-friendly,” according to Chris Cortez, vice president of military affairs at Microsoft. Program graduates can interview with one of MSSA’s more than 600 hiring partners, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies, to find new career paths in the technology industry. CLICK HERE to see some of the partner hiring companies.
Who is eligible and what does it cost?
MSSA is free to the military and Veteran community, including transitioning service members.
How to apply
To get started, email MSSAOPS@Microsoft.com for an invite to attend one of the weekly information sessions, a mandatory part of the application process, held every Tuesday at 12:00 and 3:00 (ET).
CLICK HERE for more details on the MSSA application process and prerequisites.
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of VA.
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To everyone commenting on the fact that it isn’t fully “free”. If you attend the informational briefing or read the bio on the MSSA site, you would see that they provide a voucher that covers the entire MTA exam once for the CAD track or provide a good discount on the CompTIA exam for the SCA track. Yes, you have to study for and pass an exam to be considered as an applicant, since when do we expect things to be handed to us? The training that Microsoft is offering for “free” would cost thousands to a regular civilian.
Very interested this opportunity
Why are these comments always filled with so many whiny miserable people? Are you guys even veterans at all?
A.) This training is provided free by Microsoft, not VA. So it’s their rules
B.) The certificate they require can be paid for with your VA benefits. Simple search would make that clear.
C.) If you are expecting to be fed with the silver spoon how are you even planning to pass this course? And why would anyone hire you?
This is a great course, those who are willing will take it, the rest of ya’ll can sit here and complain about the “red tape”.
Disgusting. Out!
Dude. Harsh. How about some basic compassion and understanding for Veterans who may be frustrated, depressed, angry … as many emotions as there are Veterans. Step out of your reality and into the reality of others and you’ll be better able to approach with helpful information.
Thank you!
Excellent post, Eric!
Maybe if they didn’t use the word Mandatory it might have a little more appeal.
IF YOU EVER SERVED YOU MIGHT, JUST MIGHT UNDERSTAND.
Eric,
Good to see that you have cracked the code on the acceptable expectations of veterans. You should continue to share your wisdom from on high with judgement.
The bottom line up front is appreciated when communicating opportunities, just saying.
Typical of so many modern so called leaders. Out!
I got the notice of the free classes 3 weeks after the last one had already started, so thanks for nothing.
Another feel-good do-nothing program. Hey VA try offering something substantial.
What a mouth. He could use free training but not the kind microsoft is offering
Yes, people comments on this program NOT been fully free are true! The pre”-requisities link will show: “Provide a valid and current Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification or a valid and select CompTIA certification for admissions verification. CompTIA applies only to the Server Cloud Administration learning path”. So, NO IT IS NOT FREE or straight forward free training for veterans without these certifications mentioned above.!
MTA certs are also retiring in 3 months. No new exams after 30JUN21. It’s all over the different MTA exam pages.
It would be fcking stellar if the VA would send me USEFUL posts with no red tape. Do not label this sht as FREE to veterans if we must PAY for the testing, OR already posses certain certifications. You’re sending mixed signals to people whom have no time to cut through the bullsht.
To recap, unfck yourselves.
Abso-fckin-lutely!!
This is a great program! I was retiring and I wanted to work in the IT field but did not have any experience. This program is very intense and was able to give me the hands on training that meant I could speak about IT more comfortably while having a range of skills.
In the end, I was hired on by Microsoft and have loved my job ever since. Thanks to the MSSA program and all its teachers, coordinators and mentors!
By the way, if you have been out of the military for some time, we had half a class who have been out of the military so all veterans were welcomed (we all had to pass certain requirements to qualify).
You need to have passed a paid exam to qualify for the free training.
One of the prerequisites (link is in the article)
Provide a valid and current Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification or a valid and select CompTIA certification for admissions verification. CompTIA applies only to the Server Cloud Administration learning path.
Path to MTA = paid exam
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/earn-a-microsoft-technology-associate-mta-certification-357215d0-31ce-0620-feba-1bb60165b770
https://military.microsoft.com/programs/microsoft-software-systems-academy/#pivot-prepare-your-application
This isn’t free for veterans, this is free for MTA\CompTIA holders who happen to be veterans
Yes
No
Care to expand on that?