Bredesen Unveils Partnership with Microsoft to Offer Technology Training in Tennessee
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 | 05:44am
Tennessee Workers to Receive Free Technology Training Through Microsoft's Elevate America Program
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that Tennessee will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to people across the state. Through Elevate America, Microsoft will work with the Tennessee Department of Labor to distribute 25,875 vouchers for free, online technology training and certification.
"Maintaining a competitive workforce relies on providing advanced computer skills training to Tennesseans,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate Microsoft’s generosity and believe having access to these training and certification resources will help expand the growing base of high-skilled labor that has helped make Tennessee so successful in economic development efforts.”
Bredesen made the announcement at the Tennessee Department of Labor Career Center in Nashville along with representatives from Microsoft, the Tennessee Department of Labor, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Career Centers, Tennessee Technology Centers and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources.
“Elevate America is helping to make a life-changing difference for individuals and families across the nation,” said Jack Westerlund, Microsoft sales director for state and local government. “Microsoft is pleased to partner with the Tennessee Department of Labor to assist people across the state in gaining technology skills training they need to move forward in today’s economy.”
“Workers can take these free online courses from home, Tennessee Career Centers or Tennessee Technology Centers,” said Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “Offering immediate access to computer skills training will greatly improve recipients’ employment prospects.”
Tennessee will receive 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification training, 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification exams, and 2,875 vouchers for advanced Microsoft IT Professional online learning.
Vouchers can be used for the following training and certifications:
- Computer Basics for Beginners - Access basic computer concepts and skills. Perfect for those new to computers. No voucher is required for the beginner courses.
- Intermediate Level, Business Worker Online Learning - Select from: Microsoft Windows Vista, Office 2003 or Office 2007 online training. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. E-Learning is accessible for 12 months from activation date.
- Intermediate Level Certification Exams - Certification exams must be taken at a Certiport Testing Location. Select from Office 2003 or Office 2007 exams. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. Certification exams must be completed by July 26, 2010.
- Advanced Level IT Professional Online Learning - Select a training from Microsoft’s online learning library for IT Professionals and Developers. The cost of certification exams at this level is not covered by this program. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010.
Tennessee’s participation in Microsoft’s Elevate America program makes it the 16th state to take part in the initiative, which is expected to provide up to one million vouchers nationwide. The program is a part of Microsoft’s overall efforts to provide technology training for up to two million people during the next three years.
Microsoft Elevate America vouchers can be obtained online at http://elevateamerica.tn.gov. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities at the Tennessee Career Center nearest you. For a list of Tennessee Career Center locations, visit http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty.htm.
###