Microsoft Equips Individuals With New Training Resources Needed for Jobs

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced a new initiative, Elevate America, which will provide up to 2 million people over the next three years with the technology training needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy.

Microsoft has worked for years with other businesses and community-based partners to broaden access to job opportunities through information technology education and training. Elevate America expands these efforts and provides immediate support in response to the current economic crisis in partnership with others in the public and private sector.

Elevate America has two main offerings, one available immediately and one that will be provided in partnership with state governments including those of Florida, New York and Washington.

A new online resource, located at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica, is available today. This new Web site helps individuals understand what types of technical skills they need for the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities of today and tomorrow, and resources to help acquire these skills. The Web site provides access to several Microsoft online training programs, including how to use the Internet, send e-mail and create a resume, as well as more advanced programs on using specific Microsoft applications.

In order to provide a broader range of training programs and certification exams, Microsoft will also partner with state and local governments, which in turn will make these resources available to their citizens. Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Microsoft Global Corporate Affairs, today announced that Florida, New York and Washington will be the first states to provide Elevate America to their residents. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says that programs such as Elevate America are critical to providing support to Washington families and helping the economy recover.

"At the federal, state and local level, leaders are working together to help start the engine of economic growth. The private sector provides much of the spark needed to jump-start that engine," Gregoire said. "Elevate America is a great example of Microsoft's leadership on education and work force development -- issues that bring us a step closer to recovery by helping us provide critically important help to our citizens. Washington state is pleased to be one of the first states to partner with Microsoft to provide Elevate America to our residents."

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said that the success of the Elevate Miami program in his state is proof that public-private partnerships can work and benefit citizens. "We have worked with Microsoft for years in Miami to bring technology training to underserved populations," he said. "Now, with Elevate America, we have the opportunity to bring these important skills to even more people, at a time when they are needed more than ever."

Elevate America is an extension of Microsoft's long-standing commitment to provide skills training and certification through schools, government programs and community-based organizations. The Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills Program is an example of how Microsoft is already working to bridge the technology skills gap and equip more people with skills relevant to today's work force. More than half of today's jobs require some technology skills, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that will reach 77 percent in the next decade.

"Millions of Americans don't have the technology skills needed in today's economy. Through Elevate America, we want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed," Passman said. "We are also providing a full range of work force development resources for state and local governments so they can offer specialized training for their workers."

Short-Term Needs and Long-Term Investments

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more people than ever are pursuing Microsoft technical certifications. As part of the Elevate America effort, Microsoft is providing 1 million Microsoft Learning vouchers for free access to Microsoft eLearning courses and select certification exams.* This comprehensive offering also includes the following:

-- Expanded access to basic technology literacy and skills training
-- Basic-level information technology training resources through
Microsoft Unlimited Potential and Digital Literacy curricula
-- Intermediate technology skills training courses, online and
instructor-led, plus selected certification exams
-- Vouchers for eLearning course collections offered by Microsoft
-- Vouchers for certification exams leading to Microsoft business
certification
-- Grants of cash and software to community partners to build
in-classroom training capacity
-- Discounted membership rates for institutions participating in the
Microsoft IT Academy program
-- Access to a new Web portal that will help guide individuals to training
and resources that position them for success in the economy today, and
tomorrow



More information on Elevate America is available at http://www.microsoft.com/ElevateAmerica.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

* Requires an Internet connection. Internet connection fees may apply.

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LG Electronics USA Opens Training Academy in Georgia; Consolidates Local Mobile Phone and Appliance Operations

/PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA announced the grand opening today of the LG Training Academy in Roswell, Ga., to support LG's fast-growing commercial air conditioner business. At 16,000 square feet, this state-of-the art facility has the capability to train hundreds of engineers, contractors and technicians each month.

The city of Roswell was a natural choice for LG Electronics USA. The strategic location of the new facility places LG in a position to deliver the best hands-on product training for a region of the country with high demand for commercial air conditioning systems.

The training academy is the centerpiece of the new LG Roswell facility, which also houses the company's local operations for LG Mobile Phones and LG Digital Appliances. This location now has a total of 30 employees and plans to hire additional staff in 2009.

Michael Ahn, president and CEO, LG Electronics North America, called the new Roswell location "a symbol of LG's growth and vitality" in North America. "This is another important milestone in LG's tremendous expansion in the United States. Particularly noteworthy now during the U.S. recession is LG's investment in the communities where we live and work and our commitment to economic development and education here in the greater Atlanta area," he said.

The new academy will drive additional revenue to the City of Roswell with the use of local lodging and hospitality venues to support the influx of trainees. The academy will also partner with Atlanta-area printing and office suppliers for general business needs.

"LG Electronics' presence in Roswell shows its confidence in our workforce. LG Electronics will boost our economy through partnerships with local businesses and the use of our lodging and hospitality venues," said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood. "We look forward to working with LG as they build their commercial air conditioning business and add jobs and revenue to the city of Roswell."

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