CARY, N.C. and TORONTO - Global Knowledge, worldwide leader in IT and business skills training, today announced that it has been named Microsoft Learning Partner of the Year for 2013. Global Knowledge was recognized for extending its heritage of delivering training excellence by offering a combination of instructor-led classroom and virtual classroom training in a given session, maximizing student flexibility and skills building.

"Receiving two major Microsoft Learning Partner awards in the past three years is a significant honor," said Brian K. Branson, Global Knowledge president and CEO. "We take pride in providing convenient training delivery options that enable students around the world to attend a given class in person, live over the Internet, or through a combination of the two. We are thrilled Microsoft recognizes our continued commitment to providing our customers with choices for developing their skills without sacrificing quality and effectiveness."

"We are pleased to present Global Knowledge with the Microsoft Learning Partner Award for 2013, and we look forward to our continued successful relationship," said Alison Cunard, general manager of Microsoft Learning. "With an increasing global IT skills gap and an ever-changing student population, flexibility in training and delivery solutions is critical. Global Knowledge has continued to be innovative in their student offerings, resulting in growth in marketable Microsoft skills and certifications which drive IT project success."

Microsoft Partner Awards were presented earlier this month at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston, TX. Awards were given in 44 categories, with winners chosen from more than 3,000 entrants worldwide. Microsoft selected partner award winners based on their commitment to customers, market impact, and commendable use of Microsoft technologies.

Global Knowledge delivers comprehensive Microsoft training worldwide, with courses available in classrooms, live online in virtual classrooms, and as private on-site courses that can be tailored to the needs of a student's organization. In 2011, Microsoft named Global Knowledge its Microsoft Learning Competency Marketing Acceleration Partner of the Year Award winner.

About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge is the worldwide leader in IT and business skills training, with more than 1,500 courses that span foundational and specialized training and certifications. Our core training is focused on Cisco, Microsoft, Avaya, VMware, Red Hat, IBM, business process improvement, and leadership development. We deliver via training centers, private facilities, and the Internet, enabling our customers to choose when, where, and how they want to receive training programs and learning services.

Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,300 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, NC. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm MidOcean Partners.