Microsoft Offers Free Skills Training for Jobseekers

Wednesday, July 08, 2020 1:35 PM | Bridget Weide Brooks (Administrator)


Microsoft has unveiled a global initiative to help jobseekers obtain the digital skills they need to stay competitive in a COVID-19 job market. The company is offering free training (and discounted certifications) via three of its knowledge-based platforms: Microsoft Learn (to obtain certifications in the company’s technologies), LinkedIn Learning (16,000+ online courses), and the GitHub Learning Lab (opportunities for aspiring and experienced software developers). 

The company has committed $20 million in cash grants to nonprofit organizations worldwide to assist those who need it the most ($5 million of the grant money will go to community-based nonprofits that are led by and serve minority communities in the United States). 

The program emphasizes training in areas involving data and technology. Microsoft identified the 10 most in-demand jobs and the content offered is tailored toward those markets. 

Professions featured are: software developer, sales representative, project manager, IT administrator, customer service specialist, digital marketer, IT support/help desk, data analyst, financial analyst, and graphic designer. 

If you have resume clients who work in these fields, it might be a worthwhile opportunity for them to enhance their knowledge and update their certifications. Or, you might have clients who are looking to make a career transition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this program might offer a chance for these jobseekers to explore a new field. 

Microsoft outlines the initiative in a blog post on the company website. 

In addition, you can find links to training courses and additional resources at opportunity.linkedin.com. 

You can watch Microsoft’s full video announcement below: 
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