Cisco has set an ambitious goal to train 1.5 million people across the European Union in digital skills by 2030. This Cisco Networking Academy initiative, which focuses on areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data science, was unveiled at the European Commission’s Employment and Social Rights Forum in Brussels. The move aligns with the EU’s Union of Skills framework and highlights Cisco addressing the increasing demand for digital literacy and preparing the workforce for a AI-driven economy.
Chuck Robbins, the Chair and CEO of Cisco, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the European Union’s digital transformation. He stated, “Cisco is committed to supporting the EU and our education partners in developing the talent essential for thriving in an AI-driven future. This new initiative strengthens our partnership to build a resilient and skilled workforce ready to meet Europe’s digital transformation and AI objectives.”
Cisco Networking Academy to Train 1.5 Million People
The initiative will be implemented through the Cisco Networking Academy, the company’s renowned digital training program, which has been operating since 1998. With more than 3.2 million learners in the EU alone, the Academy has proven to be a powerful tool for enhancing digital skills across Europe. Cisco plans to offer a variety of free courses that cover fundamental digital skills, including cybersecurity, data science, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI. These courses will be available in multiple European languages, making them accessible to a wide audience across the EU.
This effort is part of the European Commission’s broader 2030 Digital Decade targets, which aim to increase the number of digitally skilled individuals across Europe. Cisco’s training initiative will play a pivotal role in meeting these goals, ensuring that workers are well-equipped to understand the digital challenges of the future.
In addition to offering digital skills training to individuals, Cisco also plans to focus on the professional development of educators. Over the next five years, the company aims to train 5,000 educators in AI, cybersecurity, networking, and digital transformation. This initiative seeks to bolster vocational and higher education by empowering teachers with the necessary knowledge and tools to teach the next generation of digital professionals.
AI and Cybersecurity Centric Courses
As part of its broader strategy, Cisco will introduce AI-centric courses at both the basic and intermediate levels. These courses will explore the role of AI in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and emerging digital technologies. The training will be integrated into Cisco’s existing curriculum and complemented by newly developed content that reflects the ever-changing demands of the job market in the AI age.
By collaborating with educational institutions and aligning with national curricula, Cisco aims to make these digital skills courses an integral part of formal education across the EU. The company’s Industrial Networking curriculum will also target workers in sectors like manufacturing and automotive, with a focus on energy efficiency, connected infrastructure, and digital operations.
Conclusion
Cisco’s initiative, aligned with the European Commission’s Union of Skills framework, plays a crucial role in Europe’s digital transformation. Through the expanded offerings of the Cisco Networking Academy, millions of individuals across the EU will be equipped with essential digital skills, particularly in AI and cybersecurity, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of a technology-driven economy. As the world becomes more interconnected, Cisco’s efforts ensure that no one is left behind, contributing to the creation of a digitally skilled, future-ready workforce by 2030.
