The “Microsoft Unlimited Potential" is a global initiative, in which people from vulnerable social groups such as immigrants, long-term unemployed have the chance to be trained and certify their skills to use a computer. Since 2008, HePIS is responsible for the management and implementation of the program.

Upon completion of the courses, the candidates have the chance to certify their acquired skills according to the international certification ECDL, thus obtaining a very important asset for the job market. The certification for basic computer skills is PEOPLECERT Group’s sponsorship, the licensee holder of the ECDL Program in Greece.

Objectives

• Free training in computer skills to vulnerable groups (Unemployed men/women with priority to women, immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers)
• The certification of the candidates who attend the training with a recognized certification which is considered as an important asset
• Continuous contact and familiarity of the program beneficiaries with the Information Technology, through the ability to use the training center both at and off the course.
• Support to use new technology to find new jobs, and also to use them in order to promote themselves as employees in a workplace.

Since 2008, HePIS has implemented the program through the operation of UP Centres which are located in 7 different regions of Greece (Athens, Tripoli, Kozani, Xanthi, Chios, Polihni and Igoumenitsa). Almost 600 candidates have been trained and 300 of them have been certified according to the ECDL standard.

The program has been awarded as one of the Best Practices during 2010 ECDL Foundation Forum. Also, it has participated in the e-inclusion initiative of the European Commission.