First-in-the-nation program will prepare veterans for careers in the tech industry
LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced a collaboration with Microsoft to establish the Los Angeles Veterans Technology Training Academy (LAVTTA), a free, four-month training program that will prepare veterans for careers in software engineering, cloud application development, and cloud administration.
“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,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “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.”
Based on the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), Los Angeles is the first city in the nation to introduce a tech training program for its military veterans. While the MSSA program is tailored for transitioning service members during their last six months of service, LAVTTA will be available to all veterans, including those who have already transitioned out of the military. All veterans living in the City or County of Los Angeles will be eligible to apply.
LAVTTA is made possible by a collaboration between 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 City of Los Angeles Information Technology Agency will also partner with the program to offer mentoring, organizational insights, and interview opportunities.
“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.”
LAVTTA’s intensive 16-week program will provide training for a range of careers in the tech sector, which will be geared toward jobs in software engineering, cloud application development, and cloud administration. The course will also offer classes on general professional development, including resume prep, interview skills, and translating skills learned in the military into traits valued by companies.
“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 coursework and are looking for a new opportunity.”
The Los Angeles Veterans Technology Training Academy, working with Microsoft’s 700+ employer partners, will connect graduates to companies based in Los Angeles to provide employment opportunities and mentorships. Companies interested in serving as mentors or employment partners should contact the Mayor’s Office at mayor.veterans@lacity.org.
The first cohort of the program will start on August 30, 2021. Veterans interested in signing up for the August cohort or learning more about the program can contact JVS SOCAL at veterans@JVS-SOCAL.ORG. Proof of residency will be required.
