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These Companies Provide Apprenticeship and Training for Veterans

Julie Provost

Veteran Apprenticeship and Training Programs

In an effort to showcase their commitment to the U.S. Military, there are a number of companies that offer apprenticeship and training programs specifically for veterans. Oftentimes, this can lead to an offer of employment once a program is completed.

In 2019, Veterans made up about 8% of America’s adult population.  For companies there are significant benefits to hiring veterans, such as their:

• Accelerated learning curve
• Team working abilities
• Efficient performance under pressure

These companies recognize the value in veterans’ frequently-untapped skillsets. We’ve compiled information from three of those companies – Microsoft, Amazon, and Volvo.  Hopefully this will help shed light on the viable, possibly unknown options out there for veterans to take advantage of.

 

 

Microsoft Apprenticeship and Training Opportunities for Veterans

Microsoft Software Systems Academy or MSSA is an 18-week (or two 9-week terms) intensive-training program that started in 2013 to provide veterans with further development of critical, technology-based skills for today’s growing industry. To enroll, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be active duty personnel transitioning out of the military within 6 months or be a recently honorably discharged veteranctive duty service members would go through the program as their duty assignment on base or on a local community campus)
• Current security clearance strongly preferred
• Interest in IT with no requirement of previous experience
• Must demonstrate technical competency for chosen specialization.  This can be done by earning either the applicable Microsoft Technology Associates (MTA) or Computer Technology Industry Association (COMPTIA) Certifications

Enrollees participate in both classroom and hands-on training in tech products and skills. Those who graduate from the program have the opportunity to interview for a full-time jobs.  These jobs be at Microsoft or one of their 280 hiring partners in career fields such as:

• Cloud development
• Cloud administration
• Cybersecurity administration
• Database/business intelligence administration

 

Did you know…the average male veteran makes an estimated annual salary of $42,000.  The average female veteran makes an estimated annual salary of $35,000.

Amazon Apprenticeship and Training Opportunities for Veterans

With a dedication to hiring 25,000 military veterans and spouses by 2021, Amazon Web Services has created numerous programs that help develop valuable technical skills and lead to successful careers within the company.  Such potential jobs could be in:

• Software development
• Support and data center operations
• Military recruitment

In 2016, the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship was established.  The program was intended to create an avenue for transitioning veterans and military spouses seeking careers in cloud computing. It consists of 10-20 weeks of paid, full-time training. That is then followed by up to 12 months of paid, on-the-job training and mentorship.  These help participants to build technical skills and grow as professionals.

Ideal candidates:

• Have military experience in communications, intelligence, cyber security or possess industry-recognized IT certifications
• Were active military within the last 6 months, a Guard/Reserve member, veteran, or a military spouse
• Have an active security clearance

The apprenticeship is partnered with state/federal government, so reach out to the VA to see if you qualify for additional GI Bill benefits while enrolled. For more information, visit Amazon’s career website.

Research Other Companies

Now that you’ve heard about 3 different apprenticeship/training programs, it’s time to research others.  There are quite a few other companies that offer similar training programs and even exhibit veteran-preferred hiring practices.

Veteran-only opportunities like this are valuable.  They afford a chance to truly impact one’s future in the workplace outside of the military.

 

RELATED:

• Mentorship Opportunities for Veterans
• Patriot Bootcamp
• Virtual Job Fairs for Military and Veterans
• Webinars for Job Hunting Veterans and Military Spouses
• Top High Paying Jobs for Veterans