Microsoft announced on Sunday that it has created a website, Elevate America, which is aimed at improving access to job training tools. The site provides resources to help individuals gain the technical skills needed for acquiring jobs. This comes after the economy has shed 3.6 million jobs since the recession that began in December 2007, with about half of the decline occurring in the past three months.
This website offers access to several Microsoft online training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mails and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications. Furthermore, the site provides a full range of work force development resources for state and local governments in order for them to offer specialized training for their workers. Microsoft selected Washington as the first state to provide Elevate America to its residents.
The site should offer technical skills to as many as 2 million Americans over the next three years. As previously mentioned, Microsoft is offering the free certification and other technical training in a phased approach, starting with Washington state. Microsoft just announced its first companywide layoffs last months. As part of the Elevate America program, Microsoft is working with state and local governments, hoping to offer 1 million vouchers for e-learning and certification classes.
It is not yet clear just how much this program will cost Microsoft, but the total value of the investments will depend on the number of vouchers that will be utilized, and the mix of courses and certifications taken. The investment also includes cash grant and software donations to community-based organizations to enhance their technology capacity to deliver these programs.
As Microsoft says, millions of Americans don’t have the technology skills needed in today’s economy, so this program is very important in an effort to help people get back their jobs or find others. Florida and New York will be the other two states where Microsoft will first offer Elevate America programs. The company will work with each state in order to determine how many and what kind of classes and certification exams will be offered for free and at reduced prices.
Microsoft also plans to discount membership rates for institutions participating in the Microsoft IT Academy programs. In a prepared statement, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire said Microsoft’s initiative will support Washington families and help the economy recover. It remains to be seen if the giant software company will manage to achieve its goals with this program.
