IBM SkillsBuild

Objective and Scope

The main purpose of this global initiative is ambitious and transformative: training 30 million people worldwide in digital and technological skills free of charge by 2030. A key milestone within this objective is the targeted training of 2 million people in Artificial Intelligence (AI) until 2026.

This programme is a firm commitment to address the talent and digital divide on a global scale.

Strategic focus in Spain

In Spain, SkillsBuild has established itself as a key tool to bridge the digital divide. Its programs are strategically aimed at:

• Young people
• Women
• Collectives at risk of exclusion

This seeks to ensure that the opportunities of the digital age are accessible to all segments of society.

Key Programme Components

The training proposal is comprehensive and of high value:

• Full Content: It combines rigorous technical training (hardskills)with the development of softskills.
• Avant-garde technologies: It brings participants closer to the actual use of critical technologies such as Python, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
• Methodology: It offers guided and hands-on learning paths in more than 20 languages, with content tailored to the user level.
• Expert Mentoring: It is complemented by mentoring volunteer professionals from IBM, offering a valuable guided learning experience.

The program is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their digital skills, regardless of their starting point.

Results and Achievements

Participants who complete their training obtain official digital credentials from IBM, which are recognised by the labour market. This not only improves their employability, but also enhances the use of technologies for their personal and professional development.

• Key Agreement: IBM and Fundae signed an agreement for the distribution of 2,000 scholarships to access the SkillsBuild program.
• Certifications:78,800 certifications have been granted.
• Training hours:1.63 million hours of training have been provided.

Expected Impact: Professional and Social Transformation

The impact of the initiative is focused on a real transformation at two levels:

1. Professional Opportunities:Significant increase in the employability of participants in high-demand technology sectors.
2. Social equity:Closing the digital divide in vulnerable groups, promoting economic and social inclusion.

Why SkillsBuild is a Good Practice?

The SkillsBuild initiative is an exemplary model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and talent development, standing out as a good practice for the following reasons:

• Alignment with Labor Demand (Relevance):
  • It is not limited to offering generic training, but focuses on the most demanded digital and technological skills (AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis). This ensures that the knowledge gained is directly applicable and raises the employability of future job participants.
• Commitment to Inclusion (Social Impact):
  • By being free of charge and prioritising women, young people and groups at risk of exclusion, it ensures equal access to digital training. It addresses the digital divide not only as a problem of knowledge, but of access, transforming inequality into opportunity.
• Validation and Recognition (Credibility):
  • The delivery of official IBM digital credentials confers a seal of quality and immediate recognition in the labor market. This transforms training into a tangible and high-value asset for the participant's curriculum.
• Hybrid Model of Training (Efficacy):
  • The combination of technical training, job skills development and, crucially, mentoring by active IBM professionals offers a robust learning model. This simulates the real work environment, preparing students not only in theory, but also in practical application and professional culture.
• Global Scalability:
  • With the goal of reaching 30 million people and availability in more than 20 languages, it demonstrates a large-scale commitment, being a benchmark of how large corporations can use their infrastructure and expertise to generate a massive and measurable social impact.