For many veterans, a common barrier to entry into
the civilian workforce is a perceived lack of relevant experience. One way
veterans can overcome this challenge is through corporate-sponsored training
programs. The veterans who are participating in these programs enter the
workforce armed with knowledge from some of the nation’s foremost companies.
Microsoft, a 2013 Fortune Best Company to Work For,
has recently expanded their Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) to Camp Pendleton and
Fort Hood. The 16-week program,
that provides IT training to eligible U.S. active-duty transitioning service
members, began last year at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where a third class is
now being held.
Students in the course are taught by professors from Saint Martin’s
University in Washington and Central Texas College using a customized Microsoft
IT Academy curriculum, and Microsoft employees volunteer as mentors. The
ultimate goal of the interactive lessons and mock interviews is the opportunity
to interview at Microsoft. But, even if the training doesn’t end in a career
with Microsoft, the training is sure to be invaluable. According to reports, nearly 90 service members
are benefiting from or have already completed the MSSA. Learn more about the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy.
Cisco offers a training program, also geared toward technology, called
the CSR Program: Veterans
Program. Introduced in May 2013, Cisco’s IT
Training and Certification Program enables transitioning military personnel with prior IT
experience to access IT training, certification, and career-matching
opportunities. Selected service members are invited to register on a talent exchange platform where they
can explore careers, take a quick assessment, and choose from a selection of IT
certifications, such as Cisco CCNA.
According to the Cisco blog, “After completing the coursework and
passing the certification exam provided by select IT training and exam
partners, the Pipeline will then match their military experience and
qualifications to qualifying high-demand, civilian IT job postings.” The
program also offered track IT training and
certification scholarships to 1000 service members. Additionally, the Cisco Networking
Academy
has helped more than 51,000 military personnel develop information and
communications technology (ICT) skills since 1997. Learn
more about Cisco’s Veteran Program.
IT is not the only field offering these
programs. Accenture, Easter
Seals Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, Orion International, and
Efiia Cares are offering Veteran and Military Spouse Project Management
Training, an intensive project management (PM) training
classes for veterans and military spouses throughout 2014. The objective of the
program is to help veterans and military spouses compete for higher paying,
executive management track positions that lead to long-term professional
success.
Though the
class does not provide a formal certification, it does provide
intensive classroom instruction on project management fundamentals, preparation
for the PMP Exam, as well as group exercises, case studies, resume support, and
interview practice. The program
is offered at no cost to veterans, military spouses, and
active duty military scheduled for separation in 2014.
The
inaugural class held in January 2014 was attended by 30 students who came ready
to learn the fundamentals of project management, industry standards, and best
practices based on real projects. The students participated in classroom
instruction, group exercises, presentations, resume writing, practice
interviews, and training on management tools. When asked their opinion of the
course, every student agreed that the course will help them in their current
job or job search. Additionally, 100% of the students said they would recommend
the course. Additional classes were held in May and June, and the next class
will be held in the fall in the Washington DC area. Learn more about this program.
Another program that was just announced is the Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program
sponsored by General Motors, the U.S. Army, and Raytheon Company. The program begins in August 2014 and is a
part of the Army’s Soldier for Life support program. Once the program is
completed, participants will receive career counseling, job-placement
recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers,
and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM’s
authorized dealer network. GM's dealer
network needs approximately 2,500 new technicians annually and qualified
technicians are often in short supply, so the program helps meet this need
while offering veterans a civilian career path. Learn more here.
Training programs like these, whether geared toward technological,
project management, or mechanical skills, are giving veterans the opportunity
to hone their skills and explore how they can apply those skills to careers
with some of the nation’s top companies. When speaking
about Microsoft’s program, Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas R. Gault, U.S. Garrison Fort
Hood, sums it up, “The beauty of programs like this is they develop the
necessary skills that complement the talents of our service members while they
are still in the Army — skills that translate into real job opportunities
before they transition into civilian life. I would encourage any company that
is looking for tough, hard-working, dedicated employees who demonstrate
leadership to consider hiring our transitioning soldiers.”
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