Microsoft is launching online courses in designing, implementing and managing Microsoft technology, in the UK for the first time.

Courses on the e-learning programme aim to help IT workers to update skills and prepare for certification exams and new technology projects. Microsoft says the move was in part response to feedback from its certified partners for learning, who have welcomed the move.

Duncan Anderson, skills development manager at Parity, said: " Modern business demands flexibility in the delivery of IT training to workers, and online courses address this need perfectly."

The courses comprise animations, simulations, games and quizzes, which are designed to engage participants and aid the retention of key information.

Ram Dhaliwal, manager for training and certification at Microsoft said: "Feedback from our certified training partners, customers, and the training industry as a whole showed us that there was a clear demand for online training courses in Microsoft technology."