How Skilled Tradespeople are Addressing Data Center Staff Shortages
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of data centers, the need for employees with specialized skills has never been more crucial. As the industry faces a looming “silver tsunami” of older employees set to retire in the next five years, the shortage of skilled talent is becoming a pressing challenge. Research from Uptime Institute predicts that by 2025, the global data center industry will require 2.3 million full-time staff, leaving many providers struggling to attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to support growth targets.
The demand for hosting, data storage, computing, and managed services continues to rise, fueled in part by advancements in AI technology. This high demand, coupled with the allure of tech giants like AWS, Microsoft, and Google attracting top talent, makes it increasingly difficult for other data center operators to recruit individuals with the technical and mechanical skills required to keep operations running smoothly.
In response to this talent shortage, a spotlight is being cast on a group of employees often overlooked in the data center industry: skilled tradespeople. These individuals, including electricians, mechanics, heating and cooling technicians, and construction workers, bring valuable technical and mechanical expertise to ensure the uptime and reliability of mission-critical data center systems.
Steps to Boost CTE Programs and Fill Workforce Pipelines
To address the growing need for skilled tradespeople in the data center industry, there are five key steps that can be taken to boost Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and fill workforce pipelines:
1. Introduce Students to Data Center Careers Early: High schools, vocational schools, and community colleges should implement programs that expose students to potential careers in the data center industry and provide basic training to kickstart their journey.
2. Raise Awareness of Earning Potential: Educate students about the lucrative earning potential in the data center industry, showcasing that individuals without traditional college degrees can earn six-figure salaries with impressive benefits and job security.
3. Focus on Recruiting Veterans: Military veterans bring specialized experience, discipline, and a strong work ethic to data center roles, making them valuable assets in addressing workforce shortages.
4. Foster Innovation and New Solutions: Encourage employees, including veterans, to challenge the status quo and offer innovative solutions to improve business operations and efficiency.
5. Embrace Skilled Tradespeople: By shifting focus to recruit skilled tradespeople, data center operators can gain a competitive edge in the industry and secure the next generation of talent needed for success.
Concerns Mount as High School Graduates Express Career Uncertainty
As high school graduates navigate their post-secondary options, many express uncertainty about their career paths. Traditional routes like attending a four-year college or pursuing a graduate degree may not be the right fit for everyone, especially those interested in hands-on technical roles within industries like data centers.
To address this uncertainty and showcase the opportunities available in the data center sector, it is essential to promote the diverse career paths and earning potential that exist for individuals with specialized skills. By highlighting success stories of employees without traditional degrees who have thrived in the data center industry, younger generations can see the viability of pursuing a career in skilled trades.
A Growing Focus on Career Readiness and Innovation
Innovative Teaching hubs like eSN provide valuable resources and insights into career readiness, helping students and educators stay informed about emerging trends in various industries, including the data center sector. By staying ahead of the curve and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, individuals can prepare themselves for the evolving demands of the workforce.
As the data center industry continues to evolve and grow, the need for skilled tradespeople becomes increasingly critical. By recognizing the value that these individuals bring to operations, data center operators can address staff shortages, enhance efficiency, and ensure the continued success of their businesses. Through targeted recruitment efforts, education initiatives, and a focus on innovation, the industry can overcome challenges and thrive in an era of rapid technological advancement.