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During a lunch break — of 20 minutes — Willie Wright not only completed a training through Salesforce Military but also discovered a learning opportunity that could actively apply to his current work.

"This program has been life-changing for me and I'm happy to help anyone that's willing to take part in this journey," Wright said. "Salesforce Military has changed a lot of Veterans' lives and if nothing else, helped them get into a career that might have otherwise been unavailable."

Wright started his journey with Salesforce Military in October 2019 and by March the following year, he was in a new role earning more than $100,000 annually. The Trailhead Military program provides active military, Veterans, and respective spouses free training, exams, certifications, and career opportunities for high-paying tech jobs.

"All you have to do is make the time commitment and even the time commitment is reasonable if you do of couple hours a week," he said. "Within a few months, you can be certified and have a new job."

Salesforce Military and the Veterans Health Administration have partnered to help Veterans learn more about the benefits and services they may be eligible for and to help connect Veterans to skill development, career advancement, and employment resources.

Helped over 1000 Veterans, Service Members and spouses enroll

Together, VA and Salesforce Military collaborate to help Veterans across multiple social determinants of health (SDOH) during their transition from the military. Since June 2021, VHA has helped more than 1,000 Veterans, service members, and their spouses enroll in Salesforce Military.

Through the partnership, VHA and Salesforce Military developed the VA Benefits for Veterans training module, which identifies VA resources for Veterans across SDOH, such as economic stability, employment and health literacy. The module, which has been accessed by more than 2,000 people, provides an overview of VA benefits and how to access them.

Since its launch in 2014, 40,000 service members, Veterans, and spouses have joined Salesforce Military. The training and certification program helped place more than 1,200 members into high-paying tech jobs. The ecosystem also provides a network of individuals willing to help each other with work questions, job referrals, and more.

"It's almost akin to when you're in the military, get out, you meet other Veterans, and you automatically have something that you're connected over. You can kind of build a bond over it and have instant friendships based upon just the love of this one software platform."

15 to 20 years ahead of salary plans

Through the Salesforce Talent Alliance, a program that connects employers to Salesforce candidates with certifications, Wright met and interviewed for his current company. Prior to using Salesforce Military, he anticipated reaching his current salary range in 15 to 20 years.

But Wright credits the trainings — and leveraging his leadership practices from the military — as the reasoning behind how he achieved a better career and higher salary sooner.

"You're taking a chance on yourself. And much like our military community, you have this large community there to help you, mentor you, and guide you along your career," he said. "Salesforce is doing great things, trying to help Veterans get into that next stage of their life. All you have to do is be willing to make that jump."

The partnership between VA and Salesforce Military is managed by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP). HAP supports partnerships and emerging health innovations for Veterans, caregivers, and their families. Learn more about HAP at va.gov/healthpartnerships.

Read more about Salesforce Military at veterans.force.com.