Microsoft looks to elevate America’s tech skills
By Michael W. Jones
Microsoft Corporation is ready to announce a technology program that could help as many as 2 million Americans improve their technical skills over the next three years.
The Elevate America program comes in two parts. One is aimed at helping helping people get free technical training and certification, and is more formal in nature. The other is available online and is aimed at teaching simpler skills, such as writing email and using the internet. Pamela Passman, Microsoft’s VP for corporate affairs, says, “Millions of individuals 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.”
The more advanced technical program will be phased in over an initial period and will be started in Washington State. Microsoft will be working with state and local governments to to offer 1 million vouchers for e-learning and certification classes. They are starting the pilot program in the company’s home state, but plan to rapidly expand it into other areas, according to a CNET story.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said of the program, “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. Washington state is pleased to be the first state to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents.”
The less intense on-line program will teach simpler skills. The new Website will provide access to a number of Microsoft training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications. These are intended to help people add skills to their resumes and to therefore get better jobs. Passman said, “We are also providing a full range of work force development resources for state and local governments so they can offer specialized training for their workers.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the first layoffs ever announced by Microsoft, so it should understand the difficult job situation faced my many Americans. Although there is sure to be a marketing element to this program, knowing Microsoft, it still may be a way for some Americans to gain more skills and compete for better jobs.
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Read more entries by Michael W. Jones.
Stumble It!
February 23rd, 2009
“Microsoft looks to elevate America’s tech skills”
The biggest contribution that Microsoft could make in this regard would be to liquidate their company.
February 23rd, 2009
Is this in response to the fact that they’re laying off Americans while keeping the cheaper, foreign H1B workers? They probably figured they better throw America a bone since their image couldn’t be worse among the tech workers here.
February 28th, 2009
MS Certified Nonse: Oh, here we go again. Masses flocking to schools to get MS certified, to meet the so called tech shortage. People studying materials from the Microsoft Press, at Microsoft Certified Acadamies, with Microsoft Certified instructors. Only to then witness over saturization of techs due to lay-offs from offshoring. Don’t fall for this nonse. Hasn’t any one questioned why Microsoft keeps claiming that there’s not enough “smart people” as they put it, when they themselves push these certificaitons? Funny how they have to import people, when they themselves have access to the largest pool of “certified professionals” Wake up, people.