Microsoft to help UK’s jobless youth

Microsoft has launched a program entitled, “Get On,” that is designed to help get the young and unemployed in Britain into work. If successful, it is thought that it could see as many as 300,000 of those aged between 16 and 24 finish up their education and get into work experience programs that will hopefully lead to full time jobs.

The announcement for the initiative was a joint one, coming from current Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and prime minister David Cameron. The former said: “In these difficult economic times, the best investment we can make is in our young people, to help them develop the skills and creativity they need to create our economic and social future.”

Cameron's contribution was to say: “Microsoft's ‘Get On' campaign is exactly the kind of support we need from business to inspire, provide skills, and create meaningful opportunities in the industries that will drive our economy forward in the future.”

There will be three steps in the Get On initiative. The first involves explaining the job opportunities available to young people and trying to find out what it is they would like to do. Then there's a pre-apprenticeship stage which will will give basic IT and computer science training – well it is Microsoft after all.

The final stage will focus on getting the young adults into apprenticeship programs at some of Microsoft's partner business through development programs.

This isn't the first time the software giant has pledged to get people into work however. Back in 2009 it aimed to help half a million get full time jobs by 2012. While that target hasn't quite been reached, the 470,000+ individuals now in work because of it are a good indication that Microsoft follows through with its plans.

KitGuru Says: Are you a young person that would like to take part in this scheme? Your best bet is to contact UKYouth directly.

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