Military spouse unemployment and underemployment is not a new or unknown challenge. I have written about and experienced the stress of having to find a new job every few years, often in a field outside of my expertise and with less responsibility (and pay) than my credentials warrant.
Unemployment and underemployment of military spouses is one of the parts that comes with being part of a military family. Lawmakers are working to help, but so is private industry. That’s why I always seek to bring attention to those companies going above and beyond to support the warriors behind the warriors.
Microsoft recently announced their launch of the Military Spouse Technology Academy (MSTA). This new pilot program is “uniquely designed to train military spouses with necessary skills for long-lasting and meaningful technology careers that are both high-paying and portable.”
Advances in technology have made remote and portable careers both possible for employees and profitable for companies. Microsoft is working to equip interested military spouses with the skills needed to develop careers in the tech industry.
The first class of 19 spouses will meet for the 22-week course near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. From the schedule that accounts for childcare needs to the skills-based training, every part of this program was designed with the needs of military spouses in mind.
Incredibly proud to kick off day one of the inaugural Military Spouse Technology Academy (MSTA) & of every Military Spouse pioneering this pilot for meaningful & continued career progression in the tech field. #MilSpouse #MSTA #CareerProgression #DecimateMilSpouseUnemployment pic.twitter.com/wVSOTVgCTO
— Danny Chung (@JarheadPAO) September 26, 2018
Microsoft says that the program will “provide soft-skills training, technology training, and mentorship.” Upon completion, spouses will be equipped with the skills and know-how needed to work in Server and Cloud Administration.
A Next Step for Military Family Support
The pilot program builds upon existing initiatives and relationships.
Microsoft has been working to support military members and veterans through its Microsoft Software & Systems Academy. The 19-week program trains separating military members and veterans to work in the tech industry. The program specifically focuses on “cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity administration, or database and business intelligence administration.” After receiving the training, graduates are able to interview for a position at Microsoft or another industry partner.
Chris Cortez, vice president of military affairs at Microsoft and retired Marine Corps Major General, credits the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy with the increased push to further support the military community at Microsoft.
“We know how talented military spouses are – MSTA gives them an opportunity they don’t necessarily have today” USMC MajGen (Ret.) Chris Cortez, VP of @Microsoft Military Affairs. Read more in this @MilitaryTimes piece. #HireAMilSpouse https://t.co/kb76WRkQXA
— Microsoft Military Affairs (@MSFT_Military) October 4, 2018
“The success of Microsoft Software & Systems Academy is evidence that our programs for the military community work,” Cortez said. “Now we’re eager to apply what we’ve learned to a new, groundbreaking program called Military Spouse Technology Academy. This pilot program is one of a kind and furthers our commitment to service members and their families.”
The USO Pathfinder Program, an employment resource for military members and spouses transitioning to civilian life, is also behind the new pilot program. USO Pathfinder Scouts will help military spouses navigate job searches, find additional financial and education resources, as well as take advantage of numerous other benefits available to help them thrive.
State-level elected officials are also taking notice of the newest program available to military spouses in Washington. Governor Jay Inslee remarked that he was “pleased that Microsoft is expanding their commitment to families of service members and [he] looks forward to future efforts to support our nation’s military spouses.” Washington State participates in the military spouse employment empowerment zone designation administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Like many companies in the tech industry and other corporate headhunters, Microsoft recognizes the value and discipline that service members and their families can bring to their organization. Microsoft Military Affairs works to bring opportunities to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The Military Spouse Technology Academy is the newest way that Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to the armed services.
