Microsoft is partnering with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to distribute a total of 25,900 training vouchers during the next 90 days. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate and advanced level technology skills training. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Georgia residents for Microsoft Certification Exams, all at no cost to the recipient.

Georgia will receive 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 2,900 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:

• Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.

• Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.

• Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

Any Georgia resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the Georgia Work Ready Web site through on-line application at www.gaworkready.org; through participating Workforce Investment Act (WIA) One Stop Centers and select Goodwill locations. In its role as Microsoft’s “designated partner” for administration of Elevate America in the state, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development is responsible for the overall distribution program. Vouchers will be available to citizens across the state on a first-come, first-served basis starting today through April 22, 2010. Individuals must activate their vouchers for training and complete certification exams within the 90 day period.

For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Georgia, please visit www.gaworkready.orgwithin the “Jobseeker” portion of the site.