Cisco to train 1.5m in cybersecurity and digital skills

Cisco is expanding its digital skills programme to train 1.5 million people across the European Union (EU) by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to advancing key skills in digital education, cybersecurity and more.

The initiative, announced by Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins at the European Commission’s Employment and Social Rights Forum in Brussels, is part of the EU’s Union of Skills framework.

“Cisco is committed to supporting the EU and our education partners in developing the talent essential for thriving in an AI-driven future,” he says. 

“This new initiative strengthens our partnership to build a resilient and skilled workforce ready to meet Europe's digital transformation and AI objectives.”

As cyber threats continue to rise, the need for a digitally proficient workforce has never been greater. 

Developing key digital and cybersecurity skills helps with the understanding and mitigation of threats and will also serve the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

The initiative builds on Cisco’s long-running Networking Academy, which has been active in Europe since 1998 and has trained over 3.2 million people. 

Through a network of more than 3,000 partner institutions and 7,000 educators, the programme provides cybersecurity training alongside broader digital literacy.

Expanding cybersecurity education through specialised training

Cisco’s latest commitment follows its recent success in training 250,000 people in cybersecurity skills as part of the EU’s Cyber Skills Academy initiative. 

The new programme expands on this by providing free courses covering digital awareness, cybersecurity, data science, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). 

These courses align with the European Commission’s 2030 Digital Decade targets, which aim to enhance digital competency across the EU.

A key aspect of the initiative is the “train the trainer” approach, where Cisco plans to train 5,000 instructors over the next five years. These educators will help integrate cybersecurity and AI knowledge into vocational and higher education institutions, strengthening Europe’s workforce in critical IT fields.

Cisco’s instructor training will cover both basic and intermediate levels of AI and cybersecurity, addressing how AI impacts security, networking, and other IT roles. 

Additionally, the company is introducing a new Industrial Networking curriculum that focuses on energy efficiency, innovation, and connected factory technologies—particularly relevant for industries like automotive and manufacturing, which are increasingly targeted by cyber threats.

Building a secure digital future

To ensure accessibility, Cisco plans to deliver training in multiple European languages and collaborate with regional partners to integrate cybersecurity-focused curricula into national education systems. 

This localisation strategy acknowledges the diversity of EU education frameworks and ensures that cybersecurity skills reach a broad audience.

The initiative also supports Cisco’s broader learning continuum, which includes professional training for individuals at different career stages. 

Earlier this year, Cisco launched the AI Skills Journey programme to develop AI infrastructure skills, while its professional certifications—including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)—have been updated to incorporate AI and cybersecurity components.

As European organisations face increasing cyber risks, demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. 

Cisco’s investment in digital skills development aims to address this shortage, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who can secure Europe’s digital economy. 

The company’s Networking Academy, one of the longest-running global skills-to-jobs programmes, has been active for over 27 years, bridging the gap between education and industry needs.

By aligning its training with the EU’s Union of Skills framework, Cisco is helping build a coordinated approach to addressing workforce challenges. 

“This new initiative strengthens our partnership to build a resilient and skilled workforce ready to meet Europe's digital transformation and AI objectives,” says Chuck.

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