Microsoft, Governor Lynch and YOU ...

Microsoft Elevate America (J. Reidy, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA)

Friday, May 21, 2010

Governor John Lynch announced today that New Hampshire will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to unemployed residents across the state. Through Elevate America, Microsoft will work with the Office of Workforce Opportunity, Department of Resources and Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security and NH Works Career Centers to distribute 5,625 vouchers for free, online technology training and certification.

"Providing training for our workers is one of the best investments we can make in our economy. Through my New Hampshire Working initiative and the Job Training Fund, we have made helping workers get the skills they need to get good jobs a priority," Gov. Lynch said. "The Elevate America initiative is helping our continuing efforts to get workers the skills and certifications they need so we can help them get back to work."

The first vouchers were distributed today at the NH Works Center in Concord by George Bald, Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, and Commissioner Tara Reardon of NH Employment Security.

The free vouchers are available to unemployed residents for the first month of the program and will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis until all vouchers are gone. Vouchers must be activated by users by August 19, 2010.

Vouchers include 2,500 for Microsoft Business Certification Training; 2,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification examinations, and 625 vouchers for advanced Microsoft IT Professional online learning.

"Elevate America helps people to get the critical technology skills they need to get a job in today's competitive workplace," said John Bunn. "We believe that this type of public-private partnership will play an important role in rebuilding New Hampshire's and the nation's economy by offering immediate access to basic technology literacy and skills training to ultimately improve recipients' employment prospects."

"Job seekers can use these online courses from their computers at home, and access the training for up to a year once activated," said Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon. "Offering access to computer skills training will greatly improve recipients' employment prospects."

"Employers at our recent Governors Job Cabinet Roundtable discussions expressed the hope that today's job applicants be trained in new technology skills, and this opportunity comes at an appropriate time, as employers begin to hire again," said DRED Commissioner George Bald. "The Elevate America program will help New Hampshire companies remain competitive in today's marketplace."

Microsoft Elevate America vouchers can be obtained at the NH Works Career Centers. Locations are listed at www.nhworks.org.

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.

(What the press release might have neglected to include is from now until 7/1 vouchers will be released only to those collecting UI benefits.

After 7/1, anyone unemployed will be given vouchers through 8/19.)