Microsoft 'elevates America' with free job training
Summary
Topics
The most significant part of the program, in which Microsoft is offering free certification and other technical training, is being done in a phased approach, starting with Washington state. The second component of "Elevate America," available online immediately, is a Web site designed to help people with the basics such as creating a resume and send e-mail.
"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," Pamela Passman, Microsoft's VP for corporate affairs, said in a statement.
Microsoft's move comes as the United States has shed millions of jobs, a small number of which came from Microsoft itself as the company announced its first companywide layoffs last month.
As part of the Elevate America program, Microsoft is working with state and local governments and hopes to offer 1 million vouchers for e-learning and certification classes.
"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 Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement. "Washington state is pleased to be the first state to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents."
It is not clear just how much the program will cost Microsoft. "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," a company representative said in an e-mail. "The investment also includes cash grant and software donations to community-based organizations to enhance their technology capacity to deliver these programs."
Talkback Most Recent of 39 Talkback(s)
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Such a good idea!
Being an unrepentant Microsoft supporter I am ecstatic. Finally Microsoft if showing its lovable side. This will definitely boost their appeal!
sammymason23rd Feb 2009 -
RE: Microsoft 'elevates America' with free job training
Another great initiative from Microsoft. You don't see that in other communities.
Loverock Davidson23rd Feb 2009 -
DOJ 2.0
DOJ 2.0, simply means that when I was with MS a few years back, this idea was floated out to gain the Mind Share and thus fortify the adoption of MS products in IT shops. Most of these people can already receive such classes through local programs and I was a MS Trainer 8 years ago when the last big wave last this occurred.
A more properly sponsored government program would be training that consisted of basic programming in multiple languages, understanding core IT systems and the underlying architecture of systems like email.
MS will provide a washed up version of this information and leave these people with little chance of really "knowing" anything of value other than where to find that icon. I know because we rewrite a lot of MS training that is poorly produced and lacks anything that is useful between product versions.
--J
jzuniga-akos23rd Feb 2009 -
It's not "free job training,"
it's attempted indoctrination and propaganda. Microsoft never does anything "nice."
Henrik Moller23rd Feb 2009 -
Free training
I have not had a problem with Microsoft and they are always nice to me! As I write, Microsoft is going out of its way to help me resolve a problem at no cost to me. I think thats nice of them!
m2camlee@...23rd Feb 2009 -
How much did you pay for the software they're helping you with?
Part of that supports their helpdesk staff. Their help is definitely not "at no cost to you"--it's just that you paid for it when you bought whatever-it-is.
Henry Miller23rd Feb 2009 -
It's not "free job training,"
This is just one of those idiots that troll the internet looking for opportunities to bash Microsoft, and it does not matter what the subject of the article is.
den_62@...23rd Feb 2009 -
Well, I'm not an idiot...
...but, yes, I do look for opportunities to bash MS--they do so much to deserve it!Henry Miller23rd Feb 2009 -
Presumably...
...all of the training is MS-specific, making it a marketing ploy. I seriously doubt that altruism has anything to do with it.
John L. Ries23rd Feb 2009 -
Yeah, you're right...
And Gates only set up one of the largest
charitable organizations in the world...what a
jerk.
What else would MS donate education for? Linux?
Would you applaud them then, or just make even
more ridiculous remarks?
You can now go back to trying to find a working
printer driver for your Linux box...
Zeroesque23rd Feb 2009 -
Got one, thank you
And I have nothing against marketing, if it's done openly and honestly, instead of being disguised as philanthropy (kind of like propaganda disguised as news, or as scientific research).
John L. Ries23rd Feb 2009 -
At least Microsoft is stepping up - who else is?
I work for Microsoft Learning and I'm proud of what we are doing to help people not just in America but also around the world become or stay employed. Our blog has more details on the program and I would encourage everyone to visit there first before making any assumptions.
http://blogs.technet.com/mslcommunity/archive/2009/02/23/elevate-america-a-skills-stimulus-program.aspx
Sincerely,
Ben
Ben Watson
Director, Learning Products & Services
Microsoft Learning
LinkedIn profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bengwatson
ben_watson23rd Feb 2009 -
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work, Ben [and MSFT.] Pay no attention to the anti-MS blowhards and their cynical criticisms.
Let's see if Oracle, Red Hat, Sun, IBM, Apple, Google, or Canonical come up with similar programs to help people - even if limiting the curricula to their own products. After all, they seem to have monopolized 'innovation' these days.
As they say, "no good deed goes unpunished !"
kvkalidindi23rd Feb 2009 -
HypnoToad24th Feb 2009 -
Funny. Their own recent layoffs puts the kibosh on your claim about being
employed.
(Oops, typo - time to get some education.
)
HypnoToad24th Feb 2009
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