This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
July 1, 2020
Microsoft Corp has launched a new global skills initiative to bring digital skills to 25 million people worldwide by the end of the year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative aims to accelerate economic recovery, especially for those hardest hit by job losses, by providing expanded access to digital skills.
According to Microsoft, the initiative includes immediate steps to help those looking to reskill and pursue in-demand jobs, combining existing and new resources from LinkedIn, GitHub, and Microsoft.
These resources include:
- Using data to identify in-demand jobs and the skills needed to fill them.
- Free access to learning paths and content to help people develop the skills these positions require.
- Low-cost certifications and free job-seeking tools to help people who develop these skills pursue new jobs.
Microsoft is also backing the effort with $20 million in cash grants to help non-profit organizations worldwide assist those who need it most.
The company is pledging to make stronger data and analytics available to governments around the world so they can better assess local economic needs.
Microsoft will also use its voice to advocate for public policy innovations that will advance skilling opportunities needed in the changed economy.
“COVID-19 has created both a public health and an economic crisis, and as the world recovers, we need to ensure no one is left behind,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
“Today, we’re bringing together resources from Microsoft inclusive of LinkedIn and GitHub to reimagine how people learn and apply new skills — and help 25 million people facing unemployment due to COVID-19 prepare for the jobs of the future.”
