Microsoft has announced further plans to expand its IT vocational training program worldwide, as it looks to plug an international skills gap.

The US computer corporation has extended the number of students on its DreamSpark initiative and the quantity of businesses on the BizSpark scheme, both of which provide IT training and assistance.

Attempting to address a shortfall in the number of qualified technology workers in relation to employment vacancies, Microsoft claimed that these types of programs will support job creation in the future.

Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, believes that investment in education is "essential" for the growth of the global economy.

He said: "Today, despite the economic crisis, it's as important as ever to focus on investing in innovation so we can continue to make real progress in solving big problems and creating social and economic opportunity."

Formed in 1975, Microsoft currently employs around 88,000 people in 105 countries worldwide and in 2008 had revenues of over $60 billion.© Adfero Ltd