US Wired for Education And SkillSoft Combine Forces To Help Re-Skill Workers Across the Country

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SkillSoft Courseware Integrated with METRIX Learning Platform, Available To Job Seekers through One Stop Centers

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading SaaS provider of on demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses, today announced that its award-winning online courseware is now integrated with the learning management system (LMS) supporting US Wired For Education's initiative to provide re-skilling learning opportunities for youth and unemployed adults through state and local governments.

In addition to SkillSoft content and MedCom/Trainex content for healthcare careers, the METRIX LMS integrates with the O*Net online database, the most comprehensive repository of job descriptions in the U.S. The system also incorporates skills assessment testing through Prove-It!, an assessment application provided by Kenexa. The combined METRIX solution provides state Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) and One Stop Centers, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and states, the ability to deploy online learning and workforce development programs in a targeted way that creates an efficient environment for individuals seeking training. One Stop Centers are located across the country and provide valuable tools to help job seekers, students, businesses and career professionals.

Job seekers at the One Stop Centers can use the US Wired/ METRIX Learning solution to electronically assess their job skills, analyze potential skill gaps, populate a customized learning plan, and search for potential job openings. Using a combination of e-learning technology, instructor-led training and custom development solutions, US Wired has provided training programs to more than 50,000 people throughout New York, California, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

"Re-skilling is a priority for employees and organizations across the country. Whether it's unemployed workers who are looking to develop new skills or employees on-the-job who have to learn new ones, we believe our offerings will help learners achieve their goals through this important initiative," said John Ambrose, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development and Emerging Business for SkillSoft. "By providing access to SkillSoft's learning assets in One Stop Centers, state governments are giving people the technology-based training they need to fill in skill gaps and re-enter the workforce."

The METRIX Learning solution includes job listings from the federal government and O*NET, the nation's primary source of occupational information. The O*Net database contains information on hundreds of job descriptions that are continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. The skills needed to perform those jobs have been mapped to more than 5,000 SkillSoft online courses, making it easy for job seekers to identify and minimize skill gaps.

"Our overarching goal at US Wired is to provide the One Stop Centers with an online learning system that enable effective and measureable results for their customers seeking to improve themselves and re-enter the workforce," said Brian Lee, US Wired for Education founder. "Because of the abundance and diversity of offerings provided by SkillSoft, we are able to use the METRIX Learning environment to deliver these courses and faithfully fulfill our objectives with the One Stop Centers and help them get people back to work with improved skills and greater long-term employment possibilities."

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, and compliance courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel(TM) video products, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. SkillSoft's Books24x7(R) product offering includes access to more than 20,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search & Learn(R), and SkillSoft(R) Dialogue(TM) virtual classroom.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search & -Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, countries. 


    Source: SkillSoft

Released August 31, 2009