Santander Open Academy is expanding its digital skills training programs, partnering with local governments and organizations to offer free courses to adults across multiple countries. The initiative, supported by European Union Next Generation funds, aims to address the growing digital skills gap and boost employability in a rapidly evolving job market.
The latest program, launching in Santander, Spain, in late February and running through June, will provide free digital competency courses through Cibervoluntarios, a Spanish NGO specializing in technological volunteerism. The courses are open to individuals over the age of 18 and registration is available by calling .
The curriculum covers a broad range of digital skills, categorized to suit different needs and experience levels. For those new to the digital world, introductory courses will cover basic internet usage, online safety, and communication tools like video conferencing. More advanced offerings include training in electronic administration and digital banking, online business development, digital CV creation and online job searching, digital marketing, social media, and utilizing online platforms for leisure, health, and learning.
A key element of the program is its practical approach. Participants will “learn by doing,” applying new skills to real-world scenarios. Content is designed to be adaptable to the participants’ existing skill levels, ensuring both relevance and accessibility. The program specifically targets two primary demographics: citizens aged 18-59, focusing on strengthening digital skills for daily life, work, and social participation; and individuals over 60, with content tailored to their learning pace and emphasizing digital autonomy, online security, and practical tools for everyday living.
This initiative builds on Santander’s broader commitment to education and employability. The bank has invested over €2.4 billion over the past 28 years in educational programs, supporting over 3.7 million people and companies. Santander Open Academy offers a wide range of courses, content, and scholarships, accessible to both customers and non-customers, regardless of educational background or employment status.
The expansion of these programs comes as the demand for digital skills continues to rise. According to Santander, the job market increasingly requires the latest knowledge and skills, and the Open Academy platform is designed to meet this need. The bank’s partnership with Coursera, announced in October , will provide 50,000 adults in 13 countries with free access to the “Skills for Work” course, focusing on artificial intelligence, leadership, and languages.
Fundación Cibervoluntarios, the organization delivering the courses in Santander, has been a pioneer in technological volunteerism since . The NGO promotes the use of technology to bridge social gaps, foster social innovation, and empower citizens. It currently relies on the contributions of over 4,500 technological volunteers and collaborates with more than 7,000 national and international entities.
The Santander and Cibervoluntarios program is funded in part by the European Union’s Next Generation funds, through the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia. This funding underscores the importance placed on digital skills development as a key component of economic recovery and future resilience. The initiative is also part of the Generación D program, driven by Red.es, the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function.
The availability of these free courses represents a significant opportunity for individuals seeking to enhance their digital literacy and improve their employment prospects. By providing accessible, practical training, Santander and its partners are aiming to equip a wider segment of the population with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. The program’s focus on both younger and older demographics highlights a commitment to inclusive digital skills development, recognizing the diverse needs of learners at different stages of life.
