As part of its Elevate America programme, Microsoft will be offering free certification and other technical training to Americans, starting with Washington state.
Microsoft has announced a new initiative called Elevate America, which will provide up to two million people over the next three years with the technology training needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy. Elevate America has two main offerings, one available immediately and one that will be provided in partnership with state governments including those of Florida, New York and Washington.
A new online resource is available today. This new website helps individuals understand what types of technical skills they need for the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities of today and tomorrow, and resources to help acquire these skills. The website provides access to several Microsoft online training programmes, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail and create a résumé, as well as more advanced programmes on using specific Microsoft applications.
In order to provide a broader range of training programmes and certification exams, Microsoft will also partner with state and local governments, which in turn will make these resources available to their citizens. Pamela Passman, corporate vice president, Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs, announced that Florida, New York and Washington will be the first states to provide Elevate America to their residents.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says that programmes such as Elevate America are critical to providing support to Washington families and helping the economy recover.
“At the federal, state and local level, leaders are working together to help start the engine of economic growth. The private sector provides much of the spark needed to jump-start that engine,” Gregoire said. “Elevate America is a great example of Microsoft’s leadership on education and work force development — issues that bring us a step closer to recovery by helping us provide critically important help to our citizens. Washington state is pleased to be one of the first states to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents.”
“Millions of Americans don’t have the technology skills needed in today’s economy. Through Elevate America, we want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed,” Passman said. “We are also providing a full range of work force development resources for state and local governments so they can offer specialised training for their workers.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more people than ever are pursuing Microsoft technical certifications. As part of the Elevate America effort, Microsoft is providing one million Microsoft Learning vouchers for free access to Microsoft eLearning courses and select certification exams.
This offering also includes: expanded access to basic technology literacy and skills training; basic-level information technology training resources through Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Digital Literacy curricula; intermediate technology skills training courses, online and instructor-led, plus selected certification exams; vouchers for eLearning course collections offered by Microsoft; vouchers for certification exams leading to Microsoft business certification; grants of cash and software to community partners to build in-classroom training capacity; discounted membership rates for institutions participating in the Microsoft IT Academy programme; access to a new Web portal that will help guide individuals to training and resources that position them for success in the economy today, and tomorrow.
Original Source : EFY TIMES
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