Data centre organisations are picking up the pace and becoming more proactive in their efforts to educate students on the potential of a future in data centres.
Increased digital demand has resulted in a growing need for data centre workers which puts pressure on organisations to cast a wider net and show people why they should consider taking up a career in this field.
Developing talent in a sector that is often referred to as ‘the beating heart of the digital economy’ is crucial for its continued success and development. One advantage of bringing awareness to students is that they already have a level of understanding about the importance of technology as a centrepiece to Digital Transformation – they are often well-informed about the impact of their technology use in terms of increased data demands which result in the continued development of these facilities.
In light of this, it was recently announced that an award-winning education programme giving students a head start into digital careers is rolling out to three Thames Valley schools – UTC Reading, UTC Swindon and UTC Oxfordshire – following its successful launch at UTC Heathrow.
The Digital Futures Programme, which was developed in close collaboration with leading digital infrastructure industry employers, is a first for any UK school. Aimed at 14-19-year-olds, the programme, which contributes to a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / Extended Diploma in Engineering (NQF), equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in technical careers within the digital infrastructure industry, comprising the network cabling and data centre sectors and other digital environments.
Alongside this, Digital Realty also announced that it will join eight digital infrastructure employers as trust partners in the Digital Futures Programme. This education/industry partnership provides students with a head-start into digital careers, propelling them towards a successful future.
Digital Realty staff will work with students as part of the programme, to deliver a mix of employer-led projects, challenge days, masterclasses and skills workshops. It has been reported that previous employers working on the programme have found it to be hugely rewarding, both in terms of well-being, professional development and even recruiting apprentices.
Welcoming new talent to such a thriving industry which offers great career prospects and the opportunity to flourish in an area which is constantly innovating, is extremely rewarding. It offers the opportunity to develop new skills, with an abundance of roles on offer – whether you’d prefer to work as an engineer or prefer something more customer-facing, there is something for everyone. The data centre industry should most definitely be one to consider if you are wondering what’s next for you on your career journey.
More information on how to navigate this can be found here. https://www.vertiv.com/en-us/about/news-and-insights/articles/educational-articles/starting-out-choosing-a-career-in-the-data-center-industry/
