Cisco pledges digital skills to 1.5M Europeans
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — Global networking and cybersecurity giant Cisco has announced plans to train 1.5 million EU citizens in basic digital skills by 2030. This initiative marks an expansion of the Cisco Networking Academy.
“Cisco is committed to supporting the EU and our education partners in developing the talent essential for thriving in an AI-driven future,” Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins said at the European Commission’s Employment and Social Rights Forum in Brussels.
“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 boosts EU capabilities
The initiative will offer free courses on digital awareness, cybersecurity, data science, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI to bolster digital literacy across the EU. This aligns with the European Commission’s 2030 Digital Decade goals aimed at enhancing digital proficiency.
Utilizing its longstanding Cisco Networking Academy, which has provided training to over 3.2 million learners since 1998, Cisco plans to use its network of over 3,000 partner institutions and 7,000 educators to reach its new milestone.
Today, Cisco announced plans to equip 1.5 million people in the EU with digital skills & to train 5000 instructors on competencies professionals need to succeed in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and digital transformation of industry. https://t.co/nYbOsvcYsv #EUSocialForum
— Cisco Public Policy (@CiscoPubPolicy) March 5, 2025
Training the trainers
Cisco’s approach includes a comprehensive plan to train 5,000 instructors over the next five years, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and data science. The program is designed to strengthen vocational and higher education across Europe. New curricula will cover basic to intermediate AI, with additional focus on how AI impacts other IT fields, such as cybersecurity and networking.
Cisco will also launch a new Industrial Networking curriculum, tailored for sectors like automotive and manufacturing, focusing on efficiency and innovation.
Localized learning and broader strategies
To facilitate adoption and integration into national systems, Cisco will deliver these educational offerings in multiple European languages. The initiative is part of Cisco’s broader strategy to integrate professional development courses that enhance AI and cybersecurity skills at various career stages.
Other AI reskilling initiatives in Europe
Cisco previously formed the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium to assess AI’s impact on tech jobs and identify training pathways for roles most affected.
The consortium includes Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP. It was catalyzed by the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council’s Talent for Growth Task Force.
Aside from these tech giants, Google has also announced a €25 million (US$26.8 million) AI Opportunity Initiative to provide extensive AI skills training across Europe to ensure broad societal participation in AI advancements.
“AI has enormous potential to transform the world for the better. Yet research shows that the benefits of AI could exacerbate existing inequalities — especially in terms of economic security and employment,” said Adrian Brown, Centre for Public Impact Executive Director.
“This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
