Microsoft 'elevates America' with free job training
Summary
Microsoft announced on Sunday a job training effort aimed at giving technical skills to as many as 2 million Americans over the next three years.
Topics
Microsoft announced on Sunday a job training effort aimed at giving technical skills to as many as 2 million Americans over the next three years.
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."
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Being an unrepentant Microsoft supporter I am ecstatic. Finally Microsoft if showing its lovable side. This will definitely boost their appeal!
Another great initiative from Microsoft. You don't see that in other communities.
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
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
it's attempted indoctrination and propaganda. Microsoft never does anything "nice."
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!
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.
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.
...but, yes, I do look for opportunities to bash MS--they do so much to deserve it!
...all of the training is MS-specific, making it a marketing ploy. I seriously doubt that altruism has anything to do with it.
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...
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...
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).
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
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
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 !"
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 !"
employed.
(Oops, typo - time to get some education.
)
(Oops, typo - time to get some education.
)
NOT FREE and NOT GOING to everyone
First Need a computer
Second Need internet access
Third Need to be one of the few to be selected for the program
These COST !!!!!
First Need a computer
Second Need internet access
Third Need to be one of the few to be selected for the program
These COST !!!!!
This is a positive program Microsoft is pursuing. I applaud them. Sure, it will be MS focused, what is wrong with that, 90% of businesses use... wait for it... Microsoft software! Be kinda dumb to train new techs or those new to technology on a niche product.
While MS certainly deserves bashing from time to time, they also get it right on occasion. The Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation is one thing that is right about the MS family. This is another one.
Who really cares if they might pick up a corporate convert along the way with this? Altruism does have its benefits and what the hell is wrong with that??
If this helps get a few folks off of the unemployment lines or improves someone's lot in life, I'm ALL for it. If more companies considered the Greater Good, we probably would NOT be in the economic dung-pile that we are in now.
Who really cares if they might pick up a corporate convert along the way with this? Altruism does have its benefits and what the hell is wrong with that??
If this helps get a few folks off of the unemployment lines or improves someone's lot in life, I'm ALL for it. If more companies considered the Greater Good, we probably would NOT be in the economic dung-pile that we are in now.
Education is a great thing, but so does the application for the education one received.
Microsoft has done some fairly nice things, but all this talk of getting people off of unemployment lines doesn't help when - lo and behold - they just chopped 1400 workers with another 3600 to go, if their claim of 5000 total positions is correct.
And you're right, if companies thought about the greater good then we wouldn't be in this economic dung-pile. Thanks to offshoring, so many people (in America anyway) no longer consider IT, and the rest of us are skeptical for spending a hefty 5 digit figure for education and training on something that might not be there. Does ROI mean nothing for us as well?
Sorry to think of the big picture too; we - workers worldwide - need genuine assurance as much as anything else. (Last I recall, India and other countries are laying off people too.)
Microsoft has done some fairly nice things, but all this talk of getting people off of unemployment lines doesn't help when - lo and behold - they just chopped 1400 workers with another 3600 to go, if their claim of 5000 total positions is correct.
And you're right, if companies thought about the greater good then we wouldn't be in this economic dung-pile. Thanks to offshoring, so many people (in America anyway) no longer consider IT, and the rest of us are skeptical for spending a hefty 5 digit figure for education and training on something that might not be there. Does ROI mean nothing for us as well?
Sorry to think of the big picture too; we - workers worldwide - need genuine assurance as much as anything else. (Last I recall, India and other countries are laying off people too.)
I provide free training at a local library and I can tell you that the majority of users can barely use a mouse. Microsoft's free training is a great idea and a win-win situation: free training to those who need it and Microsoft comes out of it with potential consumers.
This is a good business move and it can potentially help thousands develop computer skills.
This is a good business move and it can potentially help thousands develop computer skills.
I guess since Boeing has a significant share of the commercial airline market, it would be a bad thing if they offered free flight training for THEIR airliners as well.
Personally, I would welcome Microsofts offer for free job training in computer repair certification and licensing, networking, and/or programming. I am disabled and computer repair I can do in my home which would help me financially.
If you know how I can sign up for this free training, just email me at m2camlee@comcast.net
I think it's a wonderful thing Bill Gates and Microsoft is doing.
matt
If you know how I can sign up for this free training, just email me at m2camlee@comcast.net
I think it's a wonderful thing Bill Gates and Microsoft is doing.
matt
I would be thankful for any training to get certified in programming, networking or just about any other field having to do something with computers. I love working with them.
Bobby Combs
bcombs@nc.rr.com
Bobby Combs
bcombs@nc.rr.com
So contact me to help with this!!! stefnie6@hotmail.com!!! MCT in Dynamics NAV and CRM ERP Products. I think it is the best thing Microsoft has ever done to realize Bill Gates's dream of being a household name. There will always be people complaining, so just acknowledge them and move on to support humanity in these times!!! Dynamics Queen!
Microsoft is a publicly traded, for profit company. By definition and statute everything it does is geared toward profitability. It's likely the "will never be discussed in public" corporate business case for this initiative involves MS and its lobbying to make it possible for them to hire more H1B visa workers.
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/01/microsofts_h1b.html
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/01/microsofts_h1b.html
As always, when something new that Microsoft never done before comes into play, it hurts small businesses. How about those who help to train people for a small fee or resell the training software with a discount?
Now, imagine that Microsoft would give the free training to million people. What those small businesses will do? Lose business and lay off more people! How do you like that?!!
Microsoft NEVER does something for free. There are many strings are attached. As for MS certifications, read the following article, and you'll get an idea:
http://www.rtek2000.com/Good/Why_we_have_to_fight_with_hypes.pdf
Now, imagine that Microsoft would give the free training to million people. What those small businesses will do? Lose business and lay off more people! How do you like that?!!
Microsoft NEVER does something for free. There are many strings are attached. As for MS certifications, read the following article, and you'll get an idea:
http://www.rtek2000.com/Good/Why_we_have_to_fight_with_hypes.pdf
I live in Indianapolis Indiana... Where & when do I sign up?
I don't mean to rain on the MS parade, but IMHO this is just headline grabbing PR.
Getting the training is one thing, finding a job may be a whole different ballgame. All the job ads, I see REQUIRE 2-3 or more years of experience in development.
This isn't going to stop the flow of jobs to off shore places where the labor is cheaper.
A lot friends or relatives of friends that have lost their jobs aren't in any kind of IT related field. I don't see MS taking them into the program.
MS will train many, hire some to indoctrinate, the rest will give up and find another line of work.
Not everyone is suited or interested in a career in IT.
my two cents.
Getting the training is one thing, finding a job may be a whole different ballgame. All the job ads, I see REQUIRE 2-3 or more years of experience in development.
This isn't going to stop the flow of jobs to off shore places where the labor is cheaper.
A lot friends or relatives of friends that have lost their jobs aren't in any kind of IT related field. I don't see MS taking them into the program.
MS will train many, hire some to indoctrinate, the rest will give up and find another line of work.
Not everyone is suited or interested in a career in IT.
my two cents.
After two decades of Windows and MS-Office, Microsoft is finally noticing the number of American workers riding the PC short bus?
To entice computer illiterates into taking the free training, I wonder if they'll make the same offer as The Video Professor: "If you can't learn, I'll not only refund your money; I'll send you ten dollars just for trying my lesson".
To entice computer illiterates into taking the free training, I wonder if they'll make the same offer as The Video Professor: "If you can't learn, I'll not only refund your money; I'll send you ten dollars just for trying my lesson".
I didn't see the part about offering this to
computer illiterates, and I'm really sorry that
you view MS Certs as the equivalent of what the
Video Professor offers. I think the VidProf
offerings are really basic learning tools, for
people just starting out on a computer. My
understanding of this is that they'll be the MS
Certs that appear in the listings in the Help
Wanted ads. Whatever you do for a living, you
don't get to mouth off that everyone who does
something different is stupid, or even more
stupid than you are. There may not be any
reason for someone to know how to subnet; that
doesn't make them stupid. My husband has no
idea what an IP address is, but there are many
areas in which I trust my life to him. Auto
assembly line workers probably have not needed
to know how to troubleshoot a MS operating
system. Now that a bunch are out of work,
learning how to do that might be worth doing.
Get over yourself.
computer illiterates, and I'm really sorry that
you view MS Certs as the equivalent of what the
Video Professor offers. I think the VidProf
offerings are really basic learning tools, for
people just starting out on a computer. My
understanding of this is that they'll be the MS
Certs that appear in the listings in the Help
Wanted ads. Whatever you do for a living, you
don't get to mouth off that everyone who does
something different is stupid, or even more
stupid than you are. There may not be any
reason for someone to know how to subnet; that
doesn't make them stupid. My husband has no
idea what an IP address is, but there are many
areas in which I trust my life to him. Auto
assembly line workers probably have not needed
to know how to troubleshoot a MS operating
system. Now that a bunch are out of work,
learning how to do that might be worth doing.
Get over yourself.
You know, there used to be a thing called a manual that came with the software that told you how to use the program. I learned C from Borland and it's books, Pascal also.
Now you get a Eula, online manuals that you can't find a index for or a PDF that uses YOUR paper to print out and never is quite right. It all sucks.
Now you get a Eula, online manuals that you can't find a index for or a PDF that uses YOUR paper to print out and never is quite right. It all sucks.
Bill Gates set up the largest charitable fund, but it cost him less than most people. Or to put it another way, if I earn 100,000 and give 15,000 a year to charity, how does the percentage compare to Gate's giving? Or - even more telling - how does what left to me compare? That's why Jesus gave an example of a widow who only gave a mite as the greatest giver...like Jesus, she gave it all. For the record, I agree there is too much Microsoft/Gates-bashing, even though I work mostly on a mainframe.
I think it is a great idea and can not see the negative. In addition, the MS website offers many free tutorials and some training. I have learned quite a bit there.
I for one am glad. I'm sure there will be many people to benefit.
I too miss the hard copy manuals that used to come with software. I found it easier to learn that way. The PDF and online manuals are so cumbersome to work with.
I for one am glad. I'm sure there will be many people to benefit.
I too miss the hard copy manuals that used to come with software. I found it easier to learn that way. The PDF and online manuals are so cumbersome to work with.
I too believe that this could be an excellent thing for microsoft to do. I am an intermediate with computers but I am always looking to learn much more as there are so many pc based jobs now days that this could be the technology we all need to get up to speed. I want more training especially if it is free.
This is an announcement only! It all seems to be hot air and no substance!
I visited the website and their are two offers to download Silverlight, a circular link to a page telling you more about the free offer and sends you right back to the same page (in a new window of course).
And a list of training offers for money.
No free offer anywhere. No sign up list for a notification or later date. No specifics what classes are offered for free or eligibility criteria.
The "elevation' appears to be not an inch off the ground.
I visited the website and their are two offers to download Silverlight, a circular link to a page telling you more about the free offer and sends you right back to the same page (in a new window of course).
And a list of training offers for money.
No free offer anywhere. No sign up list for a notification or later date. No specifics what classes are offered for free or eligibility criteria.
The "elevation' appears to be not an inch off the ground.
LOL - MS is just readvertising their long standing program of aid to tax deductible nonprofit organaizations and schools. Also if your company is turning to all modern MS products you can apply for a training grant too.
That is how you get the free training. It is NOT open live training available to everyone.
However Micorsoft has 100's of free online mini-courses in webcast videos, virtual labs and other stuff.
That is how you get the free training. It is NOT open live training available to everyone.
However Micorsoft has 100's of free online mini-courses in webcast videos, virtual labs and other stuff.
Ok Microsoft is doing something right. Maybe unsual but it's the right thing. But is the US the only country where MS does business. What about 3rd world countries ? Don't these countries deserve the same opportunity ? A big chunck of MS revenues' come some countries like Brasil, India, Thailand, etc....
MS must think the world as one. This is what globalization is all about.
Ricardo Milanez
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
MS must think the world as one. This is what globalization is all about.
Ricardo Milanez
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
yes, i do agree with you
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