Microsoft Military Datacenter Pathway (MDP) - Employment Skills Training
The Microsoft Datacenter Pathway (MDP) Fellowship is a free, 12-week workforce development program, in partnership with Hiring our Heroes, designed to help transitioning service members build the skills and experience needed for careers in Microsoft Datacenter Operations. Program costs are fully funded by Microsoft, including virtual instructor-led training, learning materials, and one week of Microsoft-funded on-site technical training at a designated training facility in the United States. Participants are responsible for personal expenses not covered by the program.Through a combination of technical training, professional development, mentorship, and hands-on datacenter readiness activities, participants gain the knowledge required for high-demand roles such as Critical Environment Technician (CET) and Datacenter Technician (DCT). Throughout the program, fellows receive support from Microsoft employees, alumni, and industry professionals while building the skills needed to succeed in a datacenter environment. Program participants work toward the opportunity to interview for full-time employment with Microsoft upon successful completion of the fellowship.
CETs (Critical Environment Technicians) are responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure and environmental conditions of our datacenters, which power our cloud services and products. DCTs (Datacenter Technicians) are responsible for delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft’s online services. Both CETs and DCTS work with cutting-edge technology and equipment, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and ensure the reliability and security of our datacenters.
Open to all MOS / ratings / AFSCs.
Service members (all branches) ready to begin the MDP application process must hold a current honorable service status and must secure command authorization. Service members must submit an application via Hiring our Heroes and indicate interest in pursuing the MDP program. Please visit https://aka.ms/mdp for more information.
For further information, please see: https://aka.ms/MDP. For questions, please contact program POC at: mdp@microsoft.com
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Interview prep for this program▸
- ▸ "How many of your past SkillBridge interns received full-time offers?" — a serious program knows the number.
- ▸ "Who will my day-to-day mentor be, and what does week one look like?"
- ▸ "The listing says 61 - 90 days — can that flex to my approved window if my command shortens it?"
- ▸ "How do virtual interns stay visible to hiring managers — what worked for past cohorts?"
- ▸ Confirm the eligibility notes above — ask exactly what they need from you and when.
- ✓ Your projected start window and separation date (from your profile)
- ✓ Your command's approval status — even "packet drafted" signals you're serious
- ✓ Your civilian-translated resume bullets (generate them here)
- ✓ A written training-plan ask — you'll need it for your packet anyway