In the past year Microsoft says that 104 000 people were helped into jobs by the programme, and in the next 12 months it aims to give 100 000 young people aged 16 to 24 the opportunity to kick-start their careers.
New opportunities will be created through a combination of work experience placements run by Microsoft, its partners and its customers, alongside 450 000 training vouchers and 3000 new IT apprenticeships over the three-year programme. The campaign also includes a partnership with LinkedIn where free advice and mentoring opportunities can be accessed by people taking part.
Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft UK, said: "Youth unemployment and a lack of social mobility are just two of the issues facing our society as we seek to emerge from the shadow of recession. Britain's young people are some of the hardest hit and we want to do our part, working closely with the government and our partners in giving them the opportunity to build their careers regardless of their background. This year we are adding to our programme and asking other businesses to make a commitment to help the most disadvantaged by offering new work experience places to the people who need them most."
As part of the campaign, Microsoft has tripled its work placement programme from 50 to 150 new placements, designed to provide young people with the skills they need to increase their employment prospects. Microsoft is also encouraging partner businesses across the UK, including 30 000 IT companies, to join the initiative and also offer apprenticeships and work placements.
Stephen Uden, head of skills and economic affairs at Microsoft, said: "We have a number of partners and organisations that we work alongside, and we will achieve this if we work collectively. By working with Remploy, for example, we can ensure that this programme targets those who need it most and we can also scale it up and do more. The more we can do, the better."
Commenting on the programme, skills minister John Hayes said: "Microsoft's Britain Works campaign should be commended for its commitment to young people, offering them the opportunity to experience the world of work and gain useful skills at a business as world-renowned as Microsoft."
Find out more at the Britain Works website or call the helpline on 0800 111 4341.