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Media contact: Sheryl Hutchison, communications director, 360-902-9289

OLYMPIA - 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 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.

“Working with Employment Security, we hope to accelerate the workforce readiness of individuals across our state and provide a truly level playing field for all,” said Gail Thomas-Flynn, vice president of state and local government for Microsoft. WorkSource customers who register for the online courses also may earn certification credentials in Microsoft Office at no charge. A limited number of Technology Associate certifications, for people pursuing careers in computers, also will be available at no cost through WorkSource.

“There are very few jobs these days that don’t require computer skills,” said Tony Wright, the assistant commissioner for employment and career development at Employment Security.  “It’s exciting to add Microsoft E-Learning to the suite of free employment and training services that are available through WorkSource.”

To register for free Microsoft E-Learning, visit www.Go2WorkSource.com or contact a local WorkSource office for assistance.  

WorkSource is a statewide partnership of Employment Security, other state agencies, local governments, colleges and nonprofit organizations that work together to provide free employment and training services to job seekers and employers. Addresses and phone numbers are posted on go2worksource.com along with thousands of job listings, job-search tips and other valuable information. 

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Web links

WorkSource website: www.go2worksource.com – click on the “Free Microsoft e-learning” icon on the right

Employment Security website: www.esd.wa.gov

Broadcast version

The Washington State Employment Security Department has collaborated with Microsoft to make more than one-thousand online computer courses available for free through the statewide WorkSource system.

Courses cover the Microsoft Office collections and the Windows operating system.  There’s also technical training for IT professionals and basic training for beginners.

Officials said they welcome the opportunity to add Microsoft e-learning to the suite of free employment and training services that are available through WorkSource.

Anyone who is interested should contact WorkSource or register online at Go-2-WorkSource-dot-com.

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