Free Microsoft Training SEATTLE, WA (KPLU) - The job market is tougher than it's been in decades. And regardless of your field, up-to-date technology skills are a must. The state employment security department has teamed up with Microsoft to provide free training for anyone who lives in Washington.

Microsoft donated vouchers to train a million workers in four states. Washington got thirty thousand of them, and more than twenty thousand are still available.

"All you need to do to get one of these vouchers is simply go to a WorkSource office near you," says Jennifer Peppin, who's with the state department of employment security. She emphasizes that you don't have to be unemployed, just a resident of Washington. The courses are administered on-line and you can do them at your own pace for up to a year, in both highly advanced and more basic skill sets.

"It's training that really can give you a leg up, " Peppin says. "If you wanted to become an IT professional or a developer it would give you training in that, or if you wanted to become certified - actually have a certification that says you're an expert in Microsoft Office, it can provide that as well."

Career switchers may be able to get the cost of the certification exams covered by the state. Those can run more than a hundred dollars each. The only catch for the free online training is you have to start the courses by the end of this month - and get to a WorkSource office before the vouchers run out.

(To hear the whole story by Bellamy Pailthorp, click "play" above.)

For more information:

Find a WorkSource Office Near You


Microsoft's Elevate America Training Site



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