Cisco has set an ambitious goal to train 1.5 million individuals across the European Union by 2030 in essential digital skills. This initiative is a part of the company’s Networking Academy program, which has been providing digital education since 1998. The goal is to address the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of navigating the digital transformation and preparing for the evolving needs of the job market. With a focus on areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data science, and the Internet of Things (IoT), Cisco’s initiative will help future workers stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly connected and automated world. This initiative aligns with the EU’s Union of Skills framework, providing critical support for the digital transformation of Europe’s workforce, particularly in light of the rise of AI technologies.
The Cisco Networking Academy has already reached over 3.2 million learners across the EU. By offering free courses in foundational digital skills, Cisco is ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels can access training in essential fields. This will include areas such as cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, which are crucial to the future workforce. These courses will be delivered in multiple European languages to enhance their accessibility and ensure they reach a broad range of learners across the EU. The program will not only help individuals upskill, but also empower businesses with the qualified talent needed to navigate the digital economy. Cisco’s efforts play a vital role in ensuring that the EU achieves its 2030 Digital Decade targets, which aim to increase the number of digitally skilled individuals across Europe.
In addition to providing training for individuals, Cisco is also focused on improving the professional development of educators.
Over the next five years, the company aims to train 5,000 educators to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to teach subjects such as AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. By doing so, Cisco intends to strengthen vocational education and higher education systems, preparing future generations for the workforce. Teachers will receive specialized training in digital technologies, which will allow them to deliver high-quality instruction to students. This initiative will ensure that more students across Europe have access to cutting-edge skills and knowledge, allowing them to contribute to the digital economy effectively.
As part of this initiative, Cisco will introduce new AI-focused courses at both basic and intermediate levels.
These courses will explore the role of AI in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and emerging digital technologies, areas that are becoming increasingly critical in the modern workplace. Cisco’s curriculum will integrate these new AI courses and will be updated regularly to reflect the rapidly changing demands of the job market. This will ensure that learners are well-prepared for careers in fields like cybersecurity, AI, and data science, which are expected to continue to grow in importance. Cisco’s focus on AI will also help to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the global digital economy.
To ensure that these courses reach a wide audience, Cisco is collaborating with educational institutions across Europe to integrate digital skills training into national curricula. This collaboration will make digital skills an integral part of formal education throughout the EU, creating a seamless pathway for students to gain the skills needed for future careers. In addition to its broad digital training programs, Cisco’s Industrial Networking curriculum will support workers in key sectors like manufacturing and automotive, focusing on topics like energy efficiency, connected infrastructure, and digital operations. This curriculum aims to equip workers in these industries with the tools and knowledge necessary to embrace digital transformation and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and technologically advanced economy.
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