Worldwide Locations
Skillsoft Global Knowledge partnered with the City of Madrid, AWS, and Experis to empower job seekers and set a new standard for digital skills in Europe.
The partnership comes at a time when only 10% of HR and L&D professionals feel confident their teams have the skills needed to meet business goals. To bridge gaps and bolster resilience in the workforce, businesses must strike a balance between technical expertise and power skills like adaptability and critical thinking.
The City of Madrid is determined to get ahead of the curve. The project provided free training to 5,000 people over 15 months — focused on high-priority technical skills — and saved the city €2.9 million. Each participant was connected to relevant job opportunities, building a long-term technological workforce in Spain’s capital.
“This project is a powerful example of how we can shape the future of the workforce by investing in people, embracing technology, and building bridges between education and employment,” says Darren Bance, GM of Skillsoft Global Knowledge. “Madrid’s commitment to digital skills and the human and AI workforce sets a new standard for what’s possible when public and private sectors work together.”
AWS recognized the landmark project by giving Skillsoft Global Knowledge its revered “Training Partner of the Year” award.
The Vision: Madrid’s €20 Million Investment in Digital Talent
Madrid’s City Council recognized the urgent need to reskill and upskill its workforce and committed an initial €20 million to partner with universities, training organizations, and technology suppliers.
The goal: create a scalable training ecosystem that provides young people and prospective employees with digital skills, links training outcomes to local job opportunities, and establishes a long-term talent pool, especially in fields like cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
The Project: Blended Learning for Real-World Impact
Skillsoft’s Global Knowledge team, in collaboration with AWS, designed a blended learning program combining online and face-to-face sessions. Participants accessed hands-on labs and bootcamps, gaining practical experience in highly sought-after technical fields. The program prioritized accessibility, offering free or subsidized training and support for digital equipment loans, ensuring disadvantaged groups could participate.
Career services and job placement support were provided through a partnership with Experis, connecting graduates directly with local employers and creating direct hiring pipelines. This holistic approach bridged the gap between training and employment, making the initiative a true engine for social inclusion and economic growth.
Results: Empowerment, Employability, and Recognition
- Participants Trained:
- 5,000 individuals in Madrid received free training, with 2,500 focusing on AWS cloud technologies, over 15 months.
- Cost Savings:
- Estimated cost savings of nearly €2.9 million compared to private market costs.
- Certification and Employability:
- Training included instructor-led internet of things (IoT) sessions, AWS Skill Builder digital content, exam preparation, and labs.
- Participants earned AWS certifications, improving their employability in cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
- Recognition and Impact:
- The project was recognized as the largest AWS initiative of its kind in the region.
- Positive impacts reported by companies, government, and participants, with potential for replication in other regions.
- Continuous Monitoring:
- Success metrics tracked include employment rates of graduates, certifications earned, employer satisfaction, and participant feedback.
The Award Validates Madrid’s Vision to Innovate
Winning Amazon’s Training Partner of the Year award is a validation of Madrid’s vision and Skillsoft’s commitment to innovation and excellence. It recognizes the hard work of a small-but-mighty team in Spain, who delivered a project that’s already being considered a model for replication across Europe and beyond.
“Delivering this Digital Talent Program has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences for our team,” says Patricia Ibañez, Strategic Partner Director Europe and Project Lead. “This experience has strengthened our purpose: to continue creating learning pathways that uplift people, unlock talent, and transform lives in the digital age.”
What’s Next?
The success in Madrid is just the beginning. The project is laying the foundation for a resilient, competitive, and attainable digital economy. With ongoing support from AWS, Experis, and the city council, the team is exploring new partnerships, expanding the program, and amplifying its impact through testimonials, case studies, and future initiatives.
But the vision goes even further. As organizations worldwide embrace a workforce comprised of humans and AI agents, Madrid’s initiative is a model for how cities can prepare their citizens to thrive alongside intelligent systems.
The future needs more than rote technical skills — it needs a Skillforce™ where humans and AI work side-by-side, skills adapt quickly, and leaders value flexibility and collaboration as much as expertise.
Madrid’s blended learning model, hands-on labs, and career services equip participants not just to use technology, but to lead, question, and partner with it.
As AI becomes embedded in daily work, the city’s investment in skills intelligence will help Madrid deploy talent where it’s needed most, drive innovation, and ensure long-term competitiveness. The journey to a future-ready Skillforce starts here, and Madrid is leading the way.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team in Spain and all our partners for their dedication, creativity, and effort,” Bance said. “Congratulations to everyone involved — you’re helping build a brighter future for Madrid and beyond.”