Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee announced today that more than 1,000 different online Microsoft computer courses are now available for free to Washington residents who want to improve their work skills.
Employment Security has signed a unique contract with Redmond-based Microsoft to make online courses available to people who register with the state’s WorkSource career-development system.
“Microsoft has made our state the computer software capital of the world, and together we want to give workers in our state the opportunity to excel,” said Lee. “When you look at what this means for improving people’s job prospects and earning potential, all you can say is ‘wow’!”
“We are excited to collaborate with Employment Security to train Washington residents in the IT skills that are in high demand today,” said Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning. “We hope this relationship will not only benefit individuals but also help businesses succeed with a more skilled and prepared work force.”
WorkSource customers will be asked to choose from among six e-learning plans when they first register:
• Plan 1: Microsoft Office collection 2003
• Plan 2: Microsoft Office collection 2007
• Plan 3: Microsoft Office collection 2010
• Plan 4: Desktop collections (Office and Windows operating systems)
• Plan 5: Technical training for IT professionals
• Plan 6: Digital literacy (for computer beginners)
Each plan covers the full array of Microsoft programs within the collection. There are several learning modules for each software program, so individuals can master one feature at a time, rather than learning an entire program at once.
Individuals are not limited to just one learning plan, but will be encouraged to complete a collection before moving to another. There is no limit on the number of people who may register. Courses are available in multiple languages.
