Microsoft to offer free resources for jobseekers who want to improve tech skills

MUNICH, GERMANY – DECEMBER 26, 2018: Microsoft logo at the company office building located in Munich, Germany

Microsoft has partnered with recruitment agency Adecco to offer New Zealand jobseekers free learning resources to improve their technical skills to apply for some of the country’s most in-demand jobs. 

Teresa Moore, CEO of the Adecco Group New Zealand, said they know the prospect of reskilling can be intimidating, that is why they are excited to work with Microsoft to bring this new initiative to candidates and associates across the Adecco Group.

“COVID has affected careers and we believe the opportunity to develop new skills will assist job seekers greatly in the unpredictable post-coronavirus labour market,” Moore said.

This initiative builds on Microsoft’s existing support for initiatives like Be Lab’s “Be Employed”, which connects people with disabilities with leading employers, and TupuToa’s Internship programme, which provides professional opportunities for Māori and Pacific tertiary students.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event,” said Vanessa Sorenson, Microsoft New Zeealand managing director. “The rebuild is already underway in some areas of the economy, however we know that the skills required to fill many of these new jobs are different to the skillsets of the wider workforce.”

Sorenson said the digital transformation of the economy is driving demand for tech-enabled jobs across almost every industry and with it demand for people with digital skills.

This initiative, detailed on the Official Microsoft Blog, includes steps to help those looking to reskill and pursue an in-demand job, combining existing and new resources from LinkedIn, GitHub and Microsoft. This includes:

  • Data and analytics. Using data to understand the most in-demand skill and jobs.
  • Free learning resources. Offer access to free learning paths through the end of 2020 and free content from across Microsoft, LinkedIn and GitHub to help people develop the skills needed for these in-demand jobs. The resources can be accessed at: https://opportunity.linkedin.com/.
  • Connecting skills to opportunities. Providing low-cost access to industry-recognised certifications through the end of the year and access to free powerful job-seeker tools that will help people get hired once they have the skills and certifications.

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