Microsoft and Fundación Tomillo have joined forces to develop the first Data Center Academy in Spain, an innovative project that seeks to offer training and career opportunities in the field of data centers and cloud operations to socially disadvantaged young people. This program responds to the growing need for qualified professionals in a sector in full growth, while reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace.

In addition to contributing to the training of future professionals, the initiative responds to the growing demand for qualified talent in an expanding technology sector that is facing difficulties in finding specialized personnel.

This project is aimed at the students of the Middle Level Vocational Training in Microcomputer Systems and Networks (SMR) of the Tomillo Foundation, who, in addition to their vocational training, have had the opportunity to prepare themselves to obtain COMPTIA certifications (A+ and Server+), internationally recognized in the field of data centers. The comprehensive training not only provided them with specialized technical knowledge, but also strengthened their soft skills, which are essential to start and consolidate a professional career in a sector with a high demand for talent.

Data Center Academy, part of a global Microsoft initiative present in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe, is developed in collaboration with more than 40 educational centers around the world and already has 19 data labs in educational institutions. Since its launch in 2018, it has trained more than 5,000 students and has been awarded the prestigious Data Center Dynamics Workforce Initiative in 2024 recognition for its impact on preparing a new generation of industry professionals.

Comprehensive training with direct impact on employment

The program, designed on a series of fundamental pillars, has enabled students to acquire the technical knowledge, recognized certifications and professional skills necessary for their insertion into the labor market:

• Hands-on classroom lab: students have had access to a learning space that simulates real data center work environments, facilitating hands-on learning.
• Comptia certifications and Microsoft recognition: students have the opportunity to be certified in Comptia (A+ Core 1, A+ Core 2 and Server+), in addition to receiving a diploma of recognition of the training issued by Microsoft.
• Socioemotional and professional skills: in line with Tomillo Foundation’s methodology, the program fosters socioemotional competencies along with technical and professional skills. In addition, students can access a LinkedIn Premium account and Microsoft mentors to guide them through the program. in their educational and professional development.
• Internships in Microsoft Spain data centers: so far, three students have been able to carry out internships in Microsoft data centers, applying the knowledge acquired in the course, improving their training and access to the labor market.
• Scholarships: Financial support is available for students who continue their studies.
• Motivation and support activities: students have participated in meetings with industry experts, career guidance workshops and corporate volunteering sessions.

This project has not only focused on students. It has also given educators the opportunity to be part of an international network in which to share experiences and best practices in the teaching of technology.

A firm step toward the formation of inclusive digital talent

The first edition of the Data Center Academy has concluded with excellent results. In the 2024/2025 academic year, the program has benefited 40 students, and both Microsoft and Fundación Tomillo plan to expand its reach to 70 students next year, thus consolidating this innovative initiative in Spain.

The closing of the first course was celebrated with an event attended by executives from Microsoft, Fundación Tomillo and Ferrovial, who, together with the first class of students, participated in an open dialogue on the impact and value of this training experience.

“Job offers in data centers are increasing, but there is still a gap between the skills required by these centers and the training of available professionals. If we want to lead the new AI economy, Spain needs to improve in training and talent attraction; and strengthen our capabilities in computing and data infrastructure. Initiatives like this help to train inclusive digital talent, by bringing job opportunities in the field of data centers and cloud operations to socially disadvantaged young people. Data centers are an accelerator for the growth of the technology industry and specialized employment in the locations where they are installed. The choice of Madrid to develop this project responds to our growing investment in the region and the need to train local talent in an area of high demand.”said Paco Salcedo, president of Microsoft Spain.

From Fundación Tomillo, Carmen García de Andrés, president, emphasized the comprehensive approach of the initiative: “It is a program that not only offers specialized and practical training, but also access to certifications valued in the sector, scholarships for students and mentoring sessions. But most importantly, it provides access to the job market by allowing socially disadvantaged young people to intern at Microsoft data centers”.

The construction of the data laboratory at the Tomillo Foundation facilities, which replicates a real data center and where the students have received training and learned to work as if they were in a real one, has been carried out by Ferrovial.

“For us it has been a real satisfaction to be able to collaborate with Microsoft, because Ferrovial is a company that likes to be involved in social causes and help in this type of issues. And if it is with Microsoft, even more so. We have vast experience in the datacenter sector and this initiative reinforces our positioning from a human point of view. For this reason, we are very happy to create this laboratory, which is a key part of the Microsoft Datacenter Academy.

With the success of this first year and the confirmation of its continuity next year, Data Center Academy consolidates itself as a benchmark in the training of technology professionals in Spain, betting on young talent and equity in access to job opportunities in a strategic sector for Spain.