The IT firm Microsoft proposes to train 30,000 UK public servants, for free, in a range of digital skills.
Cindy Rose, Microsoft UK CEO, said: “We believe a fourth industrial revolution is underway – one driven by the transformative power of cloud technologies. In the wake of the EU referendum vote, the UK is looking at charting a new and different path to its future and Microsoft is committed, as it has been for more than thirty years, to helping the UK realise its full potential. We believe maintaining the UK’s global competitiveness relies on a successful transition to a cloud-enabled economy. At Microsoft, we aim to do our part by investing back into the UK digital economy to ensure people of all ages and backgrounds are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive into the future.”
Microsoft is committing to making available, to everyone in the UK, free online digital literacy training. Also, Microsoft is launching a Cloud Skills Initiative; a scheme to train 500,000 people in the UK in cloud technology skills by 2020. According to Microsoft’s Digital Transformation Report1 released late last year, just 35pc of public sector respondents believe they have a digitally literate leadership.
Pictured is Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, at Microsoft’s UK headquarters in Reading, with Cindy Rose, Microsoft UK CEO. Mr Hammond said: “This is further evidence that Britain is one of the best places in the world to do digital business. Microsoft’s commitment to training, technology and apprenticeships will ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of innovation.
“Our technology industry is fundamental to securing future economic growth and this government is committed to ensuring it continues to thrive. It’s a key part of our industrial strategy to back Britain for the long term, creating the conditions where business can flourish, driving growth for the whole nation.”
For the Microsoft Digital Transformation Report – visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/about/ent/digital-transformation-report/default.aspx.
