LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The city and county of Los Angeles are partnering with Microsoft to establish a free, four-month training program for veterans seeking to begin a career in software engineering, cloud application development and cloud administration, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today.
“Veterans have given so much to our country and the least we can do is help connect them to opportunities to thrive here at home,'' Garcetti said. “The men and women who served our country in uniform are some of the most diligent and hard-working people in Los Angeles -- and this new program will give them a chance to tap into a thriving sector of our economy and make a living for themselves and their families.''
The Los Angeles Veterans Technology Training Academy is based on the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy, which is tailored to people who are transitioning out of military service. All veterans in the city or county of Los Angeles, including those who already left the military, will be eligible to apply to Los Angeles' program.
The program will include classes on general professional development, resume preparation and interview skills. It will also help veterans translate skills they learned in the military into traits valued by private sector companies. The program will work with Microsoft's more than 700 employer partners to connect the program's graduates to L.A.-based companies for employment and mentorship opportunities.
“This program is perfect for service members that couldn't participate in a Skillbridge program before they transitioned due to deployments and operational commitments,'' said Larry Vasquez, director of military and veterans affairs for the city of Los Angeles. “It may be particularly attractive to veterans who have completed some undergraduate course work and are looking for a new opportunity.''
The program was created through a partnership with the Mayor's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, Microsoft, the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, JVS SoCal and Fastlane.
Boeing, Microsoft and the Los Angeles Information Technology Agency will also offer mentoring, organizational insights and interview opportunities through the program.
“Microsoft believes its role as an industry leader is to enable veterans to see computer science and STEM careers as a viable path when transitioning to civilian life in the public or private sector,'' said Chris Cortez, Microsoft's vice president of military affairs. “The Los Angeles Veterans Technology Training Academy, based on the MSSA, also helps Microsoft and other IT leaders attract capable, driven and diverse talent with solid, transferable skills.''
Interested applicants can sign up for the August cohort or learn more about the program by contacting JVS SOCAL at veterans@JVS-SOCAL.org. Companies that want to serve as mentors or employment partners can contact mayor.veterans@lacity.org.
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