Workforce Alliance to Offer Microsoft® Technology Training Vouchers

Microsoft to provide no-cost training and certification exams through the Microsoft Elevate America® program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workforce Alliance is working with Workforce Florida Inc., the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Microsoft® as part of an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to qualified individuals, aged 18 and over, throughout Palm Beach County.

Through the Elevate America program, Microsoft is donating 40,000 vouchers for no-cost, online technology training and certification to the state of Florida through its 24 Regional Workforce Boards, including Workforce Alliance for Palm Beach County.  Workforce Alliance will receive a total of 2,994 vouchers, including 1,326 E-Learning vouchers, 1,326 Business Certificate Exam vouchers, and 342 IT Professional vouchers.  The vouchers will then be issued to qualified Palm Beach County residents who are registered in the state database, Employ Florida Marketplace (www.employflorida.com ).

Each training voucher is redeemable for one E-Learning course or Certification exam. E-Learning courses, available online, are self-paced and offer beginning and intermediate training on Microsoft Windows Vista or on one of the programs in the Microsoft Office Suite. Also offered are IT Professional vouchers for courses tailored to the needs of individuals on technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

"Elevate America is a great opportunity for employees and businesses in our community," said Kathryn Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Alliance.  "The Elevate America vouchers will give our local workforce the training needed to contribute their talents to the industries in Palm Beach County as they strive to remain competitive in the global economy in the face of the constantly changing high-tech electronic environment."

Governor Crist announced the Florida-wide Employ America program on May 24th and said, "On behalf of all Floridians, I want to thank Microsoft for helping us in our ongoing efforts to prepare Floridians to work and prosper in our increasingly high-tech, global economy.  These vouchers will go a long way toward making Florida job seekers competitive in today's marketplace while preparing them for the opportunities of the future."

The estimated Government rate for each voucher averages $60.  Florida will receive 40,000 vouchers, worth an estimated $2.4 million, and Palm Beach County's 2,994 vouchers have a value of approximately $180,000.   The market rate for each voucher is about $85.

In Palm Beach County, the E-Learning vouchers will be available through August 21, or while supplies last, by contacting a Workforce Alliance Career Center.  The vouchers must be activated by August 21, and must be used prior to 12 months after the date of activation.   Certification exam vouchers must be activated and used by the same dates as the E-Learning vouchers.

Questions on administration of the program in Palm Beach County may be directed by e-mail to [email protected] .

Workforce Alliance is the non-profit company chartered by the State of Florida to develop and manage a workforce system in Palm Beach County.   It operates three Career Centers and two Professional Placement Centers and offers its professional services to all employers and job seekers in the County.  Complete information is at www.pbcalliance.com .

SOURCE Workforce Alliance