Microsoft brings computer skills to schools in Chile

Education Minister Harald Beyer inaugurated a new program for secondary
 schools Friday morning in which students will learn technical skills through
Microsoft Office.

Ministry of Education purchases 450 licenses to improve technological education in secondary schools and better prepare the students for the job market.

The technological training program will be incorporated into the classrooms of 450 vocational schools in Santiago. The program is projected to affect over 100,000 students.


“The program will increase young people’s opportunity for employment and will improve their inclusion in the business world,” said Education Minister Harald Beyer. “This skill is a growing demand among employers, so we are moving in that direction.”

According to the ministry, 51 percent of employers consider these technological skills when hiring employees.

The curriculum includes a program called Microsoft Learning IT Academy that will allow teachers to learn the programs as well and pass on necessary information to their students. Beginning in March 2013, selected teachers from each school will lead classes on specific Microsoft Office skills for three hours per week.