So far, the option of free learning has been used by almost 20,000 Croats, which places Croatia in 6th place in the CEE region, and in 77th place globally. In Croatia, along with Algebra, the initiative was supported by Microsoft users Zubak grupa, Neostar and Orbico, users and partners Hrvatski Telekom, Infobip and A1 Hrvatska, partners Span, ALSO Hrvatska, Be-Terna, Comminus, Infodom, Newton Technologies Adria, Citus, Nephos and Poslovna inteligencija, local and global HR partners Adecco i Smart Group recruitment d.o.o, participant of Microsoft's Learning program The Faculty of Economy - Zagreb and AmCham.

People around the world are aware that the pandemic has changed our lives severely. To help them embrace and overcome the globally challenging health and career situation when it comes to business and careers, employers and employees have turned to learning and acquiring or improving skills to, while adapting to the circumstances, ensure a safer and more relaxed future. During the summer of 2020, Microsoft launched a global initiative aimed at acquiring new digital skills needed in the COVID-19 economy, but also in the economy of the future. This Microsoft initiative includes current steps for those looking to acquire new skills and compete for required jobs that rely on data and technology. After completing the modules within the Microsoft Learn platform, it is also possible to access Microsoft certification at a price of 15 USD (special, time-limited offer). Microsoft certifications are internationally recognized all over the world, and research has shown that people with Microsoft certification find a job much easier, have a better salary, and more easily move to a higher position within a company or organization.

Tatjana Skoko, Director of Microsoft Croatia, commented: “We are happy to launch the Croatian Digital Skills Initiative, which extends our global initiative, in cooperation with Algebra. Algebra is our long-term partner in education, which improves educational standards with quality and innovation. We believe that through this initiative we will encourage and inspire Croatian citizens to acquire skills that are demanded in the labor market and will be in demand in the future. Only through the process of continuous learning we can achieve our common goal - to be a country of people with advanced digital skills who are competitive in global markets and enterprising in Croatia to turn it all into the digital hub of this part of Europe.”

Anyone interested via Algebra website can access hours of free online learning content at a time that suits them and according to their learning rhythm - all they need is a stable internet connection. At LinkedIn Learning, learning modules are available according to today's most demanded jobs (source: LinkedIn). No prior knowledge is required for introductory courses, and those who want to expand the acquired knowledge can do so by selecting the desired module or continue learning on the Microsoft Learn platform and the GitHub Learning Lab. In addition, Algebra offers Croatian participants mentoring and support of Algebra lecturers through several live online webinars, separated by areas and the following work profiles: software developer, IT administrator, graphic designer, data analyst and AI practitioner. Tomislav Dominković, member of the board of the Algebra Open University and director of Algebra, explained: "Over more than 20 years of existence, with its innovative activities Algebra strives to enrich the Croatian education sector and develops quality educational approaches modeled on the world's best universities, adapted to Croatian conditions and Croatian labor market. With this project, we are once again showing our commitment to this goal: to popularize the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the digital field, to make the Croatian educational space globally competitive, and our students desirable in labor markets around the world. "

Microsoft Croatia and Algebra have been working together for many years to raise the bar when it comes to the quality and competitiveness of education in Croatia, and launched a campaign to make as many citizens aware of the possibility of acquiring digital skills and take advantage of free learning and certification to facilitate job finding in this challenging times.