14 DAY TRIAL // In the week of March 9, 2009, no less than 175 Microsoft partners will come together in a joint initiative branded the Microsoft Skills Week. The local training and certification events united under the Microsoft Skills Week umbrella will benefit from the participation of Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions and Microsoft Certified Trainers. The end purpose is to increase the level of technology expertise for both businesses and employees. Scheduled to take place between March 9-13, the Microsoft Skills Week will be followed by a range of events addressing developers and IT Professionals, which will end with TechEd in May 2009.
“These events accelerate skills development that will differentiate individuals, organizations and our partners,” explained Deborah Ziegenhorn, director of U.S. Partner Skills Development at Microsoft. “By working with Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions, Microsoft is enabling these partners to extend their market reach, reduce costs, increase profitability and deliver innovative solutions that help customers realize their full potential.”
The Redmond company indicated that it was ready to offer a variety of following skill development and career assistance programs to the participants at the Microsoft Skills Week. Via the Career Assist Package for example, Microsoft E-Learning Collection will be made available for just $35 to all those who register for Second Shot by June 30. At the same time, the software giant will introduce quick study sessions dubbed Exam Crams and even allow for savings up to 40% on exam fees. In addition, Microsoft Certified Trainers will deliver live meetings and technology demonstrations as preparation for examinations.
“We’ve worked with our partners to provide a wide range of training and certification opportunities at each Microsoft Skills Week event,” added Lutz Ziob, general manager of Microsoft Learning. “We are thrilled to be co-launching a national outreach to individually help IT workers get affordable and relevant technical skills that will enable them to get a job and stay employed.”