New York State Department of Labor - Free Computer Training Vouchers to Expire Soon

Albany, NY (April 30, 2010) - Can't See the video? Click Here to Get Adobe Flash Player. State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner reminds New Yorkers to sign up for free Microsoft® computer training or certification and use it right away -- before the program expires.

A total of 71,000 vouchers were given to New York State through the "Microsoft® Elevate America" program, but they need to be activated by June 24, 2010. Thousands have already been distributed and another 24,000 are set to be released on demand.

"Time is running out for thousands of New Yorkers to be trained - free of charge - on in-demand computer programs like Word, Outlook, Excel and Windows Vista," said Commissioner Gardner. "Computer skills are critical for all workers, as technology evolves. This training can help thousands get a leg up on the competition."

The program offers free technology training and certification to job seekers throughout the state. The courses range from basic skills to intermediate and advanced levels. New Yorkers can get their vouchers at One-Stop Career Centers across the state.

Vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis through June 24, 2010. Users will have 12 months from the date they activate their voucher to take the e-learning courses. But, they must go online to register their voucher by June 24 or they will lose out on the free training.

"It's perfect because I can't afford to go out and take the classes I would need to upgrade my skills," said job seeker Stephen Bratspis. "This opportunity to get free training will make my resume better, because my skills will go from just proficient to confident and knowledgeable. It will make me more marketable."

In total, New York's One-Stop Career Centers, and other distribution partners, will give out:

31,500 vouchers for Windows VISTA and Microsoft Office (2007 or 2003) online training
31,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, which expire on June 24, 2010
8,000 vouchers for advanced technical professional-level online training

Here is how this program benefits New Yorkers. They can redeem:

Training vouchers for free online training in Microsoft Windows or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
Certification exam vouchers for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
Advanced technical professional-level vouchers for free online training (for people in career tracks such as web development or database management).

New York State residents can get a voucher through their local One-Stop Career Center. For questions about the "Elevate America" program or to find a One-Stop Career Center, go to the Labor Department web site at:

http://www.labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/elevate_america.shtm.

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Free Computer Training Vouchers to Expire Soon! Labor Department Urges New Yorkers to Use Elevate America NOW Before it's Too Late
Albany, NY (April 30, 2010) - Can't See the video? Click Here to Get Adobe Flash Player. State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner reminds New Yorkers to sign up for free Microsoft® computer training or certification and use it right away -- before the program expires. A total of 71,000 vouchers were given to New York State through the "Microsoft® Elevate America" program, but they need to be activated by June 24, 2010. Thousands have already been distributed and another 24,000 are set to be released on demand. "Time is running out for thousands of New Yorkers to be trained - free of charge - on in-demand computer programs like Word, Outlook, Excel and Windows Vista," said Commissioner Gardner. "Computer skills are critical for all workers, as technology evolves. This training can help thousands get a leg up on the competition." The program offers free technology training and certification to job seekers throughout the state. The courses range from basic skills to intermediate and advanced levels. New Yorkers can get their vouchers at One-Stop Career Centers across the state. Vouchers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis through June 24, 2010. Users will have 12 months from the date they activate their voucher to take the e-learning courses. But, they must go online to register their voucher by June 24 or they will lose out on the free training. "It's perfect because I can't afford to go out and take the classes I would need to upgrade my skills," said job seeker Stephen Bratspis. "This opportunity to get free training will make my resume better, because my skills will go from just proficient to confident and knowledgeable. It will make me more marketable." In total, New York's One-Stop Career Centers, and other distribution partners, will give out: 31,500 vouchers for Windows VISTA and Microsoft Office (2007 or 2003) online training 31,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, which expire on June 24, 2010 8,000 vouchers for advanced technical professional-level online training Here is how this program benefits New Yorkers. They can redeem: Training vouchers for free online training in Microsoft Windows or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite. Certification exam vouchers for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam. Advanced technical professional-level vouchers for free online training (for people in career tracks such as web development or database management). New York State residents can get a voucher through their local One-Stop Career Center. For questions about the "Elevate America" program or to find a One-Stop Career Center, go to the Labor Department web site at: http://www.labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/elevate_america.shtm. ### Share: Email More...