Amigas, Microsoft recently launched a new program that will allow you to earn an industry-recognized Microsoft certification at a reduced cost until March 31, 2021. But you must act pretty fast as we are soon approaching the end of 2020. For a limited time, Microsoft is helping those who were impacted by COVID-19 to learn the skills for in-demand roles in a more digital economy.
COVID-19 has created a global economic crisis, forcing tens of millions of people around the world out of work. Some of the jobs lost will not come back, or at least not fast enough to meet demand. Those that do come back will look different, requiring more digital skills as companies race to change the way they work to respond to and recover from the pandemic. Other jobs will become more “tech-enabled,” requiring job seekers to have some level of digital fluency to be able to pursue them. In the post-COVID world, all people–especially those from the hardest-hit industries and the most vulnerable communities–will need to learn new skills to rejoin the workforce prepared for technical and tech-enabled roles that will be in even greater demand going forward. Microsoft is offering us our community an opportunity to help.
That’s why Microsoft has committed to help 25 million people worldwide who have lost their job due to COVID-19 to reskill for indemand roles in a more digital economy.
At its heart, this is a comprehensive technology initiative that will build on data and digital technology. It starts with data on jobs and skills from the LinkedIn Economic Graph. It provides free access to learning content on ten in-demand job roles from LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and the GitHub Learning Lab, and couples these with Microsoft Certifications and LinkedIn job-seeking tools and learning paths including:
Resources available to help Microsoft, LinkedIn, and GitHub are bringing together the best of their resources to help you:
1. Learn skills for in-demand jobs
Get free access to learning content across LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and GitHub, ranging from entry-level digital literacy skills to advanced skills for technical roles. Through March 31, 2021, LinkedIn Learning will share a free library of high-quality learning paths to help you learn the skills for in-demand roles like Digital Marketer, Project Manager, Data Analyst, and Software Developer. Microsoft Learn—an online platform to help you learn Microsoft products—will continue its free access now and in the future to interactive, self-paced content to help you advance your technical skills while preparing for role-based Microsoft certifications. Finally, GitHub Learning Lab will continue its free access to hands-on learning experiences so you can grow your technical skills by practicing on fun, realistic projects.
2. Earn a certification to show employers you have the needed skills
In addition to pursuing the learning content available, you will have the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized Microsoft Certification at a reduced cost. This certification shows employers that you have the skills required for roles such as Software Developer, Data Analyst, and IT Administrator. These roles are in high demand today, and—with increased digital transformation in the post-COVID19 economy—that demand is likely to grow even more.
Certification exams that normally cost US$100 or more will be offered for US$15 for individuals who are unemployed or furloughed due to COVID-19 and have completed the necessary steps.
3. Get ready to get hired
Microsoft and LinkedIn are also bringing together resources to help you prepare for a successful job search. Through access to LinkedIn job search tools and free courses, you can gain the confidence and know-how you need to translate your new digital skills into opportunity.
Until March 31, 2021, LinkedIn Learning will offer free learning paths to help you find a job during challenging economic times, master in-demand professional soft skills, learn to use virtual collaboration tools, and foster diversity and inclusion at work. You can also get virtual interview feedback on LinkedIn, powered by Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), to help you practice and prepare for interviews.
Get started Ready to get back to work? Start your journey and also help us spread the word to ensure that job seekers gain critical digital skills at opportunity.linkedin.com
Important additional info:
- Free access to LinkedIn Learning content available until March 31, 2021. LinkedIn Learning content is available in English, Spanish, French, and German.
- Participants will be able to schedule one exam at reduced rate between September 2020 and December 31, 2020, and will have until March 31, 2021, to complete the exam. There will be no opportunity to retake exams. Participants must attest they are currently unemployed or furloughed due to COVID. All exams are available in English, Spanish, French, German. Some exams are available in Japanese, Chinese (simplified), and Korean. Check web site for details and complete Terms and Conditions.
This information was provided by Microsoft.
