Microsoft to offer free digital training in UK

Microsoft has become the latest tech company to announce free digital literacy skills training to everyone in the UK.

The company will offer free online training to 30,000 public servants in the UK to help them boost their knowledge of digital literacy skills.

Expansion

Microsoft is also aiming to train half a million people in the UK in advanced cloud technology by 2020, and has also announced the expansion of its MS Digital Apprentice Program, with the number of apprenticeships offered being increased by 30,000.

The news was welcomed by Chancellor Phillip Hammond, who was visiting Microsoft’s headquarters in the UK when the announcement was made.

“This is further evidence that Britain is one of the best places in the world to do digital business. Microsoft’s commitment to training, technology and apprenticeships will ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of innovation,” he said.

Microsoft joins a number of other tech companies that have pledged to help people in the UK to improve their digital skills. Last year, Google announced that it will be providing free training to everyone in the UK to help them boost their digital skills, whilst Amazon will also be helping to bridge the digital skills gap with the launch of Amazon Web Services’ AWS re:Start programme, which will be available to young people and ex-military personnel.

Successful

Microsoft UK Chief Executive, Cindy Rose, commented: “We believe maintaining the UK’s global competitiveness relies on a successful transition to a cloud-enabled economy.”

She added that Microsoft is going to invest back into the UK’s digital economy to make sure that people of all backgrounds and ages have the required skills to achieve success in the years to come.