Free Microsoft courses to be extended for another year

Despite large budget cuts, the Employment Security Department has extended its contract with Microsoft to make the company’s entire suite of online courses available for free to Washington residents for another year.

The contract originally was scheduled to end today, but now will be continued through October 2012.

Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause said the extension reflects his decision to make cost-effective customer services a priority as tough budget choices are made.

“This has been one of the most cost-effective investments we’ve ever made in skill training,” Trause said.

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