Microsoft offers technology training to US job seekers
Thursday, 26 February 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 25 (AFP): Microsoft is tossing lifelines to people in the United States (US) lacking technology skills needed to win jobs in the Internet Age.
Microsoft teamed with political leaders in a set of US states to launch an Elevate America initiative expected to provide online and real world technology training to as many as two million people during the next three years.
"Millions of Americans don't have the technology skills needed in today's economy," said Pamela Passman, Microsoft corporate vice president of global corporate affairs.
"We want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed."
For years Microsoft has worked with businesses and community-based organizations to promote information technology (IT) education.
The decision to ramp-up those efforts this week with an Elevate America program is a "response to the current economic crisis," Microsoft said.
The initiative is designed to provide state and local governments tools and resources for "no-cost or low-cost technology skills training to help get people back to work," according to Passman.
Microsoft has information about marketable technology skills and how to acquire them available online at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica.
The website provides access to Microsoft online training programs ranging from basics such as using Internet, sending email and creating resumes to handling more advanced software programs.
Florida, New York and Washington are the first US states to partner with Microsoft to offer in-depth technology programs, including some with the potential to result in certifications of training.
Microsoft teamed with political leaders in a set of US states to launch an Elevate America initiative expected to provide online and real world technology training to as many as two million people during the next three years.
"Millions of Americans don't have the technology skills needed in today's economy," said Pamela Passman, Microsoft corporate vice president of global corporate affairs.
"We want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed."
For years Microsoft has worked with businesses and community-based organizations to promote information technology (IT) education.
The decision to ramp-up those efforts this week with an Elevate America program is a "response to the current economic crisis," Microsoft said.
The initiative is designed to provide state and local governments tools and resources for "no-cost or low-cost technology skills training to help get people back to work," according to Passman.
Microsoft has information about marketable technology skills and how to acquire them available online at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica.
The website provides access to Microsoft online training programs ranging from basics such as using Internet, sending email and creating resumes to handling more advanced software programs.
Florida, New York and Washington are the first US states to partner with Microsoft to offer in-depth technology programs, including some with the potential to result in certifications of training.