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Friday, April 2, 2010 | 1:08 p.m.
CARSON CITY – Microsoft and the state of Nevada are joining in a free computer training program to help employed or displaced workers improve their skills.
“This program will give thousands of Nevadans the tools they need to compete more readily for jobs in this market that requires greater computer knowledge than ever before," Gov. Gibbons said.
Microsoft, working with the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, will distribute 6,750 vouchers for technology training and certification.
Workers can get these vouchers through the Web sites www.nvdetr.org and www.Nevadajobconnect.com.
A state spokeswoman said there would be different types of training available and the courses would be online, ranging from one hour to several hours. When completed, the individual would go to a training center to be tested and receive a certification if one is requested.
Mary Ellen Smith, president and general manager of Microsoft Licensing, said the program is called “Elevate America” and “is designed to equip people with the critical technology skills necessary to get a job in today’s competitive workplace.”
The vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting today.
Microsoft announced the program at the National Governors’ Conference in February and is expected to provide technology training for up to 2 million people during the next three years.
The Nevada announcement was made at the Nevada JobConnect Office in Las Vegas.
Now if only Bill Gates would hire some of these people instead of asking for higher and higher limits on the number of H1B visas to be granted.
For those who don't know what the H1B visa program is, it basically says that if a US company can not find a US citizen to fill a particular job it can hire a foriegn national on an H1B visa. The intent was to help companies find those with very specialized skill sets such as translators. But in practice, many companies use it to bring in cheap labor for mid-level positions who will work for entry-level wages. This practice is particularly popular at software companies.
I agree 100%! The U.S. government needs to stop allowing companies to give jobs to so many foreigners. It just lowers the number of jobs available to U.S. citizens and the wages that companies have to pay.
Microsoft should work on a driving simulator for Metro cops.