News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Military Heroes Participate in Workforce Training at Southside Virginia Community College
Recently, Southside Virginia Community College Foundation has collaborated with Microsoft through the Cloud Operations and Innovations (CO &I) Military Datacenter Pathway to pilot a training course to provide all inclusive hands-on training to U.S. Military Heroes. The Heroes are transitioning from their service in the military and into potential roles with Microsoft. Students ran simulated tickets at the Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE) in the mock datacenter, located at one of the College’s off-site locations, Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center that mimics common tasks for both Site Services and Critical Environment teams. Attention was given to safety, work processes, and developing hands-on proficiency within a datacenter environment. Dr. Chad Patton, Dean of Career and Occupational Technology, states "it is truly an honor to be chosen as the training provider for this pilot. We appreciate the Heroes' service to our country".
Daniel S., Microsoft Military Datacenter Pathway Participant, shares “my experience with SVCC was totally pleasant. The training allowed us to learn realistically how to work in a datacenter, mitigating risks in a friendly environment. I felt very well received, everyone was very friendly, and the selection of accommodation and food was also excellent. It was an amazing experience.”
Zaki H., Microsoft Military Datacenter Pathway Participant, shares similar sentiments “although leaving the military and starting a new career path felt like a big step, SVCC's collaboration and assistance made it possible. I was able to acquire the technical skills I required with their help and resources, and they also gave me the confidence I needed to apply for a position at Microsoft as a Datacenter Technician. I appreciate how dedicated they are to veterans and how focused they are on developing legitimate career opportunities.”
Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant shift, and comprehensive training plays a crucial role in ensuring success during this transition. Exiting military personnel often possess unique skills like discipline, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. However, they may face challenges in translating these skills into civilian roles, especially in industries requiring specialized knowledge or certifications. The partnership between SVCC and Microsoft creates a seamless transition for veterans into high-tech industries, benefiting both the workforce and the economy.
Senior Business Program Lead for the Co & I Military Datacenter Pathway, Jenn T., shares “SVCC was an outstanding partner for our inaugural military datacenter pathway cohort. They demonstrated exceptional communication and creativity during the planning stages, resulting in an incredible hands-on experience for 20 transitioning service members.
Their dedication not only provided practical understanding but also inspired confidence and excitement among participants. SVCC’s efforts significantly influenced the career decisions of these service members. We are extremely grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you, SVCC, for your unwavering support and for making this experience memorable!”
Investing in the training of exiting military personnel is not just an act of gratitude for their service but also a strategic move to harness their potential for economic and technological growth. Collaborative initiatives between Microsoft and SVCC exemplify how targeted efforts can open doors for veterans while addressing workforce needs in high-demand industries.
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