Opening doors to datacenter careers for youth in Madrid
Community of Madrid residents now have an on-ramp to the region’s growing tech sector: the Microsoft Datacenter Academy. Microsoft and Fundación Tomillo have joined forces to launch the first Datacenter Academy in Spain, featuring specialized training in cloud operations, scholarships, and employment opportunities with a focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative addresses the skills gap in the technology sector while promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workforce.
Setting up students for success in datacenter careers
The Datacenter Academy program builds on the existing curriculum of the Medium-Level Vocational Training in Microcomputer Systems and Networks (SMR) at Fundación Tomillo to include applied cloud operations training and certification. Key features of the Datacenter Academy program in Madrid include:
- Specialized SMR curriculum leading to COMPTIA A+ and Server+ certification. While students pursue formal vocational training, they can also work toward COMPTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) and Server+ certifications. These credentials are highly valued internationally in the field of datacenter operations.
- Practical, hands-on training in a datacenter laboratory. Students “learn by doing” in a datacenter laboratory that simulates real work environments. Microsoft collaborated with construction partner Ferrovial to develop the datacenter laboratory in one of Fundación Tomillo’s classrooms, donating industry-standard datacenter equipment.
- Datacenter teacher training. Educators have access to an international community of practice where they can exchange experiences and best practices, keeping pace with the state of the art in datacenter operations.
In addition to skills development, the Datacenter Academy offers the following resources to help students access career opportunities in cloud operations:
- Scholarships. The program offers scholarships, vouchers for certification exams, and other resources to remove financial barriers to datacenter training.
- Mentoring. Students may be paired with a Microsoft mentor who will accompany them in their educational development and on the path to employment. In line with Fundación Tomillo’s methodology, the program also promotes socio-emotional, technical, and professional skills through corporate volunteering activities and career guidance workshops by industry experts.
- Internships at Microsoft Spain. Students have the opportunity to pursue paid internships for three to six months at Microsoft datacenters.
Connecting residents with career opportunities
The mission of the Microsoft Datacenter Academy is to ensure that everyone has access to technologies, knowledge, and the opportunity to apply for high-demand jobs in a transforming world. Already active in 14 countries worldwide, the Datacenter Academy is expanding to Madrid help residents access datacenter employment in Microsoft’s Spain Central cloud region. The program enrolled 40 students in its first year before expanding to accommodate 70 students in 2025–2026. So far, three graduates of the first class have completed paid internships at Microsoft datacenters.
Combining technical skill development with career support resources, the Microsoft Datacenter Academy helps the youth of the Community of Madrid to participate in the growing job market for skilled cloud technology professionals.
