The initiative aims to train young people in socially disadvantaged situations to meet the growing demand for talent in data centers and cloud operations.
In a joint effort to promote inclusive employability in the tech sector, Microsoft Spain and the Tomillo Foundation have launched the first Data Center Academy in Spain. Developed during the 2024/2025 academic year, the initiative has enabled 40 vulnerable young people to train in data center operations, with plans to reach 70 students next year.
The Data Center Academy is part of a global Microsoft program, already active in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Since its launch in 2018, it has trained over 5,000 students in collaboration with 40 educational centers and has 19 data labs in academic institutions.
A Lab That Simulates a Real Data Center
The core of the program in Madrid has been the installation of a data lab built by Ferrovial at the Tomillo Foundation’s facilities. This environment replicates the conditions of a real data center, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the practical operation of the critical infrastructure that supports the cloud.
During the course, students in the Intermediate Vocational Training cycle in Microcomputer Systems and Networks (SMR) have supplemented their formal education with preparation for highly valued professional certifications such as COMPTIA A+ and Server+ in the industry.
Additionally, they have developed socio-emotional and professional skills, gained access to LinkedIn Premium, received mentoring from Microsoft, and participated in workshops and meetings with experts, all aimed at facilitating their integration into the workforce.
Real Internships and Project Continuity
One of the program’s significant achievements has been facilitating real professional internships: three students have already interned at Microsoft data centers in Spain, applying the knowledge acquired and strengthening their job prospects.
The closing event, recently held in Madrid, was attended by authorities and representatives from the sponsoring organizations, including:
Manuel Pérez Gómez, Deputy Counselor of Digitalization for the Community of Madrid, who emphasized that "continuing to be the digital benchmark in Southern Europe will depend on having qualified professionals."
Paco Salcedo, President of Microsoft Spain, highlighted that “data centers are an accelerator of growth for the tech industry and specialized jobs in the locations where they are installed.”
Carmen García de Andrés, President of the Tomillo Foundation, stressed the value of “a program that not only offers specialized training but also access to certifications, scholarships, and real internships.”
- Ignacio Clopés, Director of Construction at Ferrovial, praised collaboration as part of the company’s commitment to social development and promoting future professions.
Inclusive Training for an Expanding Sector
The context for this initiative addresses a specific need: the shortage of specialized technical profiles in data centers. As Spain solidifies its role as a digital hub in Southern Europe, with increasing investments in cloud infrastructure, the availability of local talent becomes a strategic factor.
Through this initiative, Microsoft and the Tomillo Foundation not only contribute to reducing the digital and social divide but also promote a model of dual, practical, and certified training aligned with the real demands of the job market.
A Commitment to the Future
The confirmation of the program’s continuation in the 2025/2026 academic year and its planned expansion to more students reinforce the commitment to an inclusive technological training model, essential for preparing a new generation of professionals in an environment dominated by artificial intelligence, the cloud, and digital infrastructure.
The Data Center Academy thus establishes itself as a reference point in Spain’s educational-tech ecosystem, demonstrating that public-private collaboration can be a driver of social transformation and a real opportunity for many young people.
Source: news.microsoft