Microsoft Unveils Training Programs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Microsoft Corp. has unveiled a three-pronged program to recruit and train computer and software professionals, saying 190,000 U.S. jobs are unfilled for a lack of trained applicants.

The world’s largest software company said it will spend several million dollars providing training to colleges and technical institutes as well as providing half-priced training to working professionals and discounted recruiting fees for Microsoft dealers to find new employees.

Microsoft’s Skills 2000 program, unveiled in Orlando, is designed to address Labor Department estimates that 80% of the new jobs created over the next 10 years will involve new and expanding technologies.

Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said its training programs are doubling the number of students they handle each year and it expects to train more than 40,000 students at colleges and technical institutes this year.