Microsoft helps build workforce technology job skills

Historic City News has learned that a new public-private partnership between Workforce Florida and Microsoft can help your Florida business receive free Microsoft training.

A program called “Microsoft Elevate America” will distribute up to 40,000 vouchers for no-cost training and certifications to Floridians for a limited time only.

This innovative initiative provides an excellent opportunity for Florida workers to improve their technology skills, productivity and value. Businesses can benefit directly by encouraging their employees to upgrade their skills through free training.

No-cost training also is available for IT professionals.

Each Elevate America training voucher is redeemable for one online course or certification exam in any of three categories:

E-Learning: Self-paced, online training in the Microsoft 2003 or 2007 Office “learning collections” including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.

Microsoft Certifications: Exams in Microsoft 2007 Office products such as Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word. All certification exams must be proctored at Certiport Testing Centers.

IT Professionals: Online training courses designed for IT professionals or individuals interested in entering the IT field.

Vouchers must be activated by August 21st and will be available while supplies last. E-Learning vouchers are good for 12 months after they are activated; certification exam vouchers must be activated and used by August 21st. There is no cost for the E-Learning and Certification exam vouchers; however, in some instances, a small proctoring fee may be charged by a Certiport Testing Center, where exams are administered.

Complete your application online at http://elevateamerica.floridajobs.org/application/application.aspx