What is the Microsoft IT Academy?
The NHS East of England Microsoft IT Academy is an exciting joint initiative between Connecting for Health 
(CfH), Microsoft (MS) and the East of England NHS Strategic Health Authority (EoE SHA).
This is part of a wider NHS Connecting for Health (CfH) programme of work which has been created to take advantage of the partnership between the NHS and Microsoft by providing low-cost access to training and certification in both Microsoft Office Suite (MOS) and Microsoft Technical skills (MCP).
The academy will provide all staff working in the NHS within the East of England (EOE) access to a wider range of learning and development opportunities coupled with the ability to attain accredited Microsoft qualifications in their chosen career pathway, this will significantly contribute to the wider education, training and development strategy expressed by Connecting for Health and NHS EoE.
As the EOE is a large geographical area, we are currently working with a number of trusts and PCTs across EOE in order to establish a number of ‘satellites’ which will be critical to the success of the program. The satellites will offer either MOS, MTS, or both, including training and testing on Microsoft products. This will ensure that local provision is available and consistent across the EoE thereby reducing the need for travel to the main academy.
The training provided by the academy and its satellites will consist of a blended learning approach with tutor-led sessions, workshops, and e-learning opportunities available to suit all learners' needs and preferences.