Almost 26,000 Georgians will receive Microsoft certification training at no cost. Governor Sonny Perdue says the free training will help residents develop needed skills to compete for jobs.

Residents who log on to the state’s work ready website, www.gaworkready.gov, can request a voucher that will pay for various levels of Microsoft training and certification. Governor Perdue made the announcement Friday with the CEO of the computer giant, Steve Ballmer.

“Most estimates would say fifty percent of jobs today require some kind of computer literacy. And yet, we think that will be up close to seventy five percent over the next five years or so. So computer literacy is absolutely a job one issue,” Ballmer said.

The vouchers for training will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Addressing reporters, Perdue smiled throughout the entire presentation.

“I hope you can tell that I’m excited. This is the kind of energy that we need, and why we need jobs here, and helping them people get sustainable, and jobs, and technical jobs that will carry them through a career.”

Through the training, Microsoft will ensure that another 26 thousand people are familiar with their operating systems and software. Analysts say similar training, has, in part, helped Microsoft maintain market dominance as companies use the company’s widely known products.

Tags: Georgia economy, Governor Perdue, microsoft