Basic technology skills

Microsoft said it will offer basic computer skills training for more than 2 million people.

Pamela Passman, Microsoft's corporate vice president of global corporate affairs, announced the program at a meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington, D.C.

The programme called 'Elevate America' has Microsoft helping workers acquire the technology skills they need now and over the next decade.

Of course once trained they could go for IT jobs. Although Microsoft would not hire them as it has just laid off 1,400 workers. (And at least 3,600 will follow by the end of the year. sub.ed.)

Redmond will create a new Web portal where visitors can learn what skills they lack and easily find resources to learn them.