Microsoft hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Microsoft Software & Systems Academy at Quantico

QUANTICO, Va., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) on Marine Corps Base Quantico on Monday, Jan. 8. The ceremony marks the first of four scheduled MSSA launches in early 2018 on the Eastern Seaboard, completing Microsoft's 2015 goal of opening nine regions servicing 14 bases. MSSA at Quantico is a reflection of the need to provide service members with training and certifications before they transition out of the military, as well as Microsoft's strong commitment to the veteran community.

This ceremony will mark the inaugural MSSA cohort class at Quantico with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as the primary learning partner. Marc Langlois, senior director, Department of Navy at Microsoft, will deliver remarks, as will Dr. P. Barry Butler at ERAU. Honors to the nation will kick off the ceremony.

MSSA is one of few industry programs that trains active-duty U.S. service members for technology jobs and is a cornerstone of the DoD Skillbridge program. Programs such as these that address the industry's labor needs help the industry overall, help veterans and help our country build a stronger workforce to compete on the world stage.

Microsoft representatives, including MSSA graduates, and military dignitaries, including ERAU representatives, will be available to speak with the media after the ceremony.

About Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)
The government estimates technology occupations are projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. MSSA, the first-of-its-kind industry program to provide formal training for service members before their separation date, helps them develop the career skills necessary to meet the technology industry's high demand for cloud developers, cloud administrators, database and business intelligence administrators, and cybersecurity administrators. Upon completion of the program, participants gain an interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of its participating partners.

Launched in November 2013 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the program has expanded to several bases and maintained employment rates greater than 90 percent, with starting salaries averaging $70,000. Microsoft is also seeing a retention rate of greater than 90 percent ? compared with most veterans who stay in their first job less than two years. Microsoft works with hundreds of partners to hire, train and support veterans' employment and educational opportunities. Graduates have gone on to work for over 240 different companies, including Dell Inc., Expedia, Microsoft, Accenture, the Department of Defense, Capgemini and many more. In addition to technical skills, MSSA focuses on soft skills, helping service members brush up on resume and interview techniques.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.