ManpowerGroup France and Microsoft have this Monday launched the so-called l’Université des Talents du Numérique et du Digital to help tackle a prevalent skill shortage in the IT and telecoms sector, the staffing firm reported today.

This joint initiative is intended to meet the high demand for skilled staff in the digital and IT sectors.

The initiative will offer training and coaching opportunities to jobseekers who already receive training or have gained experienced within IT. It will enable participants to gain qualifications in order to make employment in the field more “sustainable.”

“Today, mastering IT skills can really accelerate employability,” said Thierry Cavaillé, general manager at Manpower’s subsidiary, FuturSkill.

Both companies are hoping to aid job creation in the country with this joint partnership. By the end of 2012, 100 people will have received training, a number that is to increase to 500 by the end of 2013.