It’s one of the best values around: free online courses that teach Washington residents how to use Microsoft software products – but Oct. 31 is the deadline for registering.

So far, nearly 12,000 have registered for the free e-learning, which is available through the state’s WorkSource career-development system, but state officials would like to see more people take advantage of the opportunity.

Since last fall, Microsoft’s entire library of online courses has been available at no cost to working-age Washington residents, under a contract with the Employment Security Department. The courses cover basic computer literacy, Office and Windows products, and training for IT professionals. Upon request, access codes are sent by email through local WorkSource centers.

“If you are working or trying to find a job, it’s important to keep your skills up-to-date,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause. “Microsoft software is a standard in many businesses, and you can increase your value by knowing how to use it.”

Trause said the free training is part of his department’s efforts to help unemployed workers build skills that may help them get jobs. But businesses and employed workers also have access to the free training.

“Helping employers save money on their training costs is good for them, good for their employees and good for our economy,” Trause said.

To learn more and to register online, log in to Go2WorkSource.com and click on the “Wow! Free Microsoft E-learning” icon on the right. Information and registration assistance also are available at local WorkSource centers, which are listed on the Go2WorkSource.com website.

Under the terms of the contract with Microsoft, e-learning access codes will be distributed through Oct. 31, 2011, and must be activated no later than that date. From the point a code is activated, the user has 12 months to complete the online coursework. For example, an access code activated on Oct. 20, 2011, is good until Oct. 19, 2012.

WorkSource is a statewide partnership of Employment Security, local workforce development councils, other state agencies, colleges and nonprofit organizations that work together to provide free employment and training services to job seekers and employers. WorkSource also can help employers recruit and screen for qualified workers, apply for employment tax breaks and qualify for subsidized employee training.