The IT firm aims to help place the first 700 apprentices by September next year. It has also planned a job matching service, targeted skills training and employability training for job seekers.
The move comes as part of Microsoft's bid to work with the Government to help 500,000 people find jobs as part of the Britain Works campaign. The company act as a go- between the Government and smaller IT companies in order to place the apprentices across the country.
Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft UK, said: "The past 12 months have been disastrous for many individuals, families and businesses throughout Britain. The Government has invested where it can but in reality there's only so much it can do. That's why I asked my team to look at ways we can make a difference as a business.
"Today represents the start of a nationwide programme, which I hope will have a real impact at grassroots level across the UK. Of course we can't wave a magic wand and create jobs for all, and that is why ‘Britain Works' is specifically designed to give people the opportunity to get the skills and support they need to change their lives themselves."
Business secretary Peter Mandelson added: "Digital skills are crucial for the knowledge economy and this campaign will go a long way to helping people benefit from the new opportunities that technology brings.
"The emphasis placed on working in partnership to help those who otherwise may find it difficult to access jobs in the digital economy or to acquire basic digital life skills is another step toward building Britain's future as our global economy changes."
And George Osborne, shadow chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "I'm delighted that one of the world's leading companies is thinking about how business can help lead Britain into recovery and give the next generation the skills they need to achieve their aspirations."
