Training

Yondr and CBRE to create data centre apprenticeship programme

Yondr Group, a global developer, owner and operator of hyperscale data centres, has teamed up with CBRE, a real estate services company with 25 years’ experience in integrated data centre operations, to create an apprenticeship programme that will be rolled out to all Yondr data centre projects worldwide. The programme reiterates both companies’ commitment to developing the skills that the data centre industry needs around the world. As Yondr’s global data centre operations partner, CBRE will collaborate with the company to facilitate the scheme. Apprentices will be recruited for each Yondr data centre once the asset has moved into the operational phase and will work with the Yondr and CBRE teams on site, while also receiving training towards certification in disciplines such as administration, critical environment engineering and management. Recruitment and training for the apprentices globally will align with local apprenticeship models for each location, drawing on relationships with local colleges and training providers. The programme will also offer professional experience and mentoring from Yondr and CBRE colleagues to empower apprentices on their path toward a successful future in the data centre industry. The first project to benefit from the apprenticeship programme is Yondr’s London data centre campus in Slough, where one apprentice is already in post and a second is currently being recruited. At this 100MW site, where the campus will comprise three data centres, two apprentices will be recruited for each data centre building. With Yondr’s Netherlands project already live, Frankfurt recently handed over, and progress continuing at pace at the company’s projects across North America, Europe, and Asia, the apprenticeship programme is set to develop exponentially as data centre assets come online. The company anticipates recruiting four apprentices in Slough, and two each in the Netherlands, Germany, the US and Malaysia by the end of 2025. Paul Hood, Yondr’s COO - Global Data Center Operations, comments, “As a former apprentice myself, I have always been an advocate of this career route and recognised the value of apprenticeships in selecting talent that is ambitious and pragmatic with a can-do attitude. “With the partnership of CBRE and support of training providers, we can help guide future talent into the skilled professionals of tomorrow. I am very excited that Yondr will not only be shaping young people’s careers, but also inspiring them to play a vital role in operating the digital infrastructure on which we all rely.” Andrew Chilcott, Global Alliance Director for CBRE’s Data Centre Solutions business, adds, “The task of operating data centres is distinct from running any other commercial property. It’s vital that the data centre sector nurtures bespoke talent and highlights the potential for varied and exciting careers in our dynamic industry to attract high calibre candidates. “With our joint investment in this global apprenticeship programme and our commitment to supporting the apprentices we recruit; I am certain that this will be the beginning of a very successful journey for all involved.” Yondr’s investment in the global apprenticeship programme forms part of the company’s social impact strategy, which aims to create value and opportunity for the communities surrounding its data centres. So far, the strategy has led to a range of social impact initiatives, including STEM and employability skills training, as well as scholarship programmes in Europe and North America. Similarly, CBRE is committed to its broader Talent Strategy, actively engaging in apprenticeship programmes with over 1,800 apprentices globally. For more from Yondr Group, click here.

HireHigher and CyrusOne drive data centre awareness

As part of HireHigher’s continued partnership with CyrusOne, a global data centre developer and operator, to address the ongoing skills shortage in the data centre industry, they recently brought together 90 sixth-form students from St Mark’s Catholic, Gunnersbury Catholic and Logic Studio Schools in West London, for the largest student-facing digital infrastructure conference in the UK. The event was hosted by the London Heathrow Marriott Hotel ahead of today’s International Data Centre Day. It also marked three years of HireHigher and CyrusOne’s partnership to help broaden awareness of the integral role data centres play in society and the job opportunities they generate, particularly amongst the Gen Z age group. Data centres provide the digital infrastructure that underpins almost every aspect of our daily lives, enabling a vast range of economic, scientific, and social activities. A recent independent survey commissioned by CyrusOne, titled 'Listening to Communities', explored how the public perceives data centres in Europe, and found that those aged 16-24 years were least likely to know that data centres play a role in enabling digital applications such as WhatsApp (35%). HireHigher states that it's not surprising that today's digitally dependent generation, which represents the future workforce, is unaware of the significance of data centres in our lives. However, the company believes that this highlights the need for the industry to engage with younger generations through events such as this to help them understand the importance of data centres, their crucial role in modern society, and the impressive range of career opportunities they offer. Adelle Desouza, Founder of HireHigher, says, “It’s a testament to CyrusOne’s commitment to attracting the best talent to the industry that they have once again joined us to host an event for sixth formers. If the industry wants to attract top talent, we need to ignite more passion in the young workforce of the future, ensuring they are well informed and inspired and understand what options there are for them in the industry.” Emma Fryer, Director Public Policy Europe at CyrusOne, adds, “We’re delighted to have partnered with HireHigher once again to deliver an outstanding event. In-person engagement is essential if we are to forge meaningful connections with the next generation of talent and show students first hand how important, relevant and exciting our industry is. My favourite part of the day was tasking the students to design a community-oriented data centre. By encouraging our students to work collaboratively and to think about meeting the specific needs of host communities, from sustainability to social equity, we brought to life the challenges that our own teams work on every day and gave them the chance to work things out for themselves.” With the additional support of Virtus Data Centres, the annual event forms an important part of HireHigher’s aim to improve careers advice in schools and partner with organisations that will help create real action within the industry. Events such as these help to attract new talent and contribute to the current skills shortage the industry faces in a positive way. As part of the day’s agenda, the students heard from a panel of graduates and apprentices from CyrusOne and HireHigher’s Rising Star Programme, who discussed their jobs and routes into the industry. Students also had the opportunity to visit one of CyrusOne’s or VIRTUS’ data centres. Vlad Tipu, Computer Science teacher at Logic School, comments, “Students have had a great opportunity to engage with professionals in a well-established sector. This will provide them with excellent perspectives and potential career paths they can pursue for their futures.” For more from CyrusOne, click here.

Innovorg and IDCA to transform workforce development

Innovorg, a skills-building and workforce optimisation platform for cloud, hosting, and data centre teams, announced today that it has partnered with The International Data Center Authority (IDCA), an expert in application ecosystem standardisation and education. The partnership will integrate IDCA's comprehensive training content, certification programmes and standards into Innovorg's cutting-edge platform, creating a powerful solution for companies seeking to develop and optimise their technical workforce across the entire digital application ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on creating adaptive learning experiences for digital infrastructure sector professionals by integrating IDCA's vendor-agnostic content and effective skill development programmes into Innovorg’s master content library, which now includes both paid and public IDCA resources alongside supplementary content. Innovorg’s platform takes this further by automatically curating relevant IDCA content and helping prioritise the right learning materials based on individual skills gaps, company preferences, and goals. The platform sets targeted learning objectives, tracks engagement levels, and ensures alignment with personal development goals, creating a structured, personalised educational journey. "We are excited to partner with IDCA to bring its world-class training content and industry standards to our platform," says Elya McCleave, CEO and Founder of Innovorg. "This collaboration will enable us to offer an unparalleled learning experience to our clients, combining IDCA's global expertise with our innovative skills development and workforce optimisation tools." Kurtis Friesen, Head of North America for IDCA, adds, "Partnering with Innovorg allows us to extend our reach and impact in the industry. By leveraging Innovorg's platform, we can deliver our highly effective training content to a broader audience and help Innovorg address the critical skills shortage across the application ecosystem, including cloud, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT, big data, and data centre sectors." In addition to content delivery, Innovorg enhances learning engagement by generating AI-based quizzes and simulations that complement IDCA’s material as needed, reinforcing comprehension and practical application. IDCA badge delivery to Innovorg clients allows for instant, globally recognisable certification, giving professionals immediate, tangible recognition for completed courses. By incorporating IDCA's global standards and best practices, Innovorg ensures that professionals are equipped with up-to-date, internationally recognised knowledge in the field of data centre infrastructure, data centre operation, data centre engineering, data centre technology, and data centre management. This partnership comes at a crucial time for the industry, as the demand for skilled professionals across the application ecosystem continues to outpace supply. By combining IDCA's regularly updated, industry-informed content with Innovorg's advanced skills gap analysis and career pathing tools, the two organisations aim to create a comprehensive solution for workforce development in the digital infrastructure space.

AVK to develop next generation of data centre engineers

As part of its ongoing commitment to developing the data centre industry's future talent pipeline, AVK, a supplier of power solutions for data centres in Europe, has announced the opening of its new AVK Academy. Located in Lenham, Kent, the AVK Academy is a dedicated centre of excellence designed to provide hands-on training and professional development for engineers at all stages of their careers. The AVK Academy is a cutting-edge training hub equipped with the latest technology, including full-size Rolls-Royce mtu engines and control system rigs. It offers practical, real-world experience in power generation, helping trainees develop the skills they need to excel in the field. The power generation industry is evolving rapidly, with growing demands for more efficient and sustainable solutions. To meet these challenges, AVK says that it is essential to cultivate skilled professionals who can drive innovation and maintain the high standards the industry requires. The AVK Academy addresses this need by providing structured training programmes that cater to various experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced engineers looking to enhance their skills. One of the Academy’s key features is its focus on hands-on learning. Trainees work directly with cutting-edge equipment and technology, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of power generation. The training is comprehensive, blending classroom instruction with practical exercises that prepare participants for the diverse challenges they will face in the field. This approach not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a deeper understanding of the power generation landscape, setting the foundation for a successful career. For new talent, the Academy offers a unique entry point into the industry. Its Level 4 intake is specifically designed for those at the beginning of their careers, providing them with foundational training and mentorship. This programme goes beyond technical skills, emphasising the importance of safety, teamwork, and problem-solving - key attributes that are highly valued in our industry. Participants receive a well-rounded education that prepares them not just for their first job but for a long-term career with opportunities for growth and advancement. “The AVK Academy is more than just a training facility - it represents a strategic investment in the future of our company and the industry, and serves as a powerful tool for attracting new talent to the industry,” says Lynsey Partlow, Service Director, AVK. “By nurturing talent within a controlled, supportive environment, AVK is helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive innovation in power generation while creating a clear pathway for education and career development - making the power generation field more accessible and appealing to a diverse range of aspiring professionals.” “The AVK Academy initiative aligns with AVK's broader mission to deliver innovative and sustainable power solutions that meet the needs of the company's customers, everywhere,” adds Ben Pritchard (pictured above), CEO, AVK.” By equipping AVK's engineers with the skills and knowledge they need at a time of unprecedented industry growth, the company is strengthening its ability to provide reliable, cutting-edge services and creating a culture of continuous learning and development that permeates every level of AVK's organisation.”

Schneider Electric announces new training programme

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of its Schneider Electric Training programme in the UK and Ireland (UK&I). Schneider Electric’s vision in the UK&I is to create a best-in-class approach to training, unifying specialist academies, courses, and digital campuses into a holistic offering named Schneider Electric Training. The move is in response to the chronic skills gap in engineering and the vital role that training plays in addressing the growing complexities associated with digital transformation. The extensive programme covers everything from AI, the automation of machinery and equipment, to innovations in power and energy management, and safety standards and regulations. Schneider Electric Training will provide customers, partners, and engineers with a single point of access to the vast array of training options and resources available, covering Schneider Electric solutions, industry focused courses, and professional accreditations. It will be delivered via several specialist academies for in-person courses and a digital campus offering on-demand courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) via the mySchneider portal. Two academies are already up and running, with three more due to be launched by the end of the year. The Safety Academy in Telford offers a range of Schneider Electric and professional training courses to ensure the safe operation of electrical equipment and site safety, including Competent Person certification and City & Guilds assured Authorised Person training. The Automation Academy in Coventry offers a comprehensive curriculum covering Schneider Electric’s automation portfolio. It is designed to take students from basic product understanding through to advanced programming of both legacy and current technology, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Variable Speed Drives (VSD), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Motion Control and Robotics. David Pownall, VP Services at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, comments, “Organisations are becoming more dependent on their electrical backbone to support operations, digital transformation, automation, and manufacturing. Electrical engineers and their specialist expertise are critical to the installation, safety, and maintenance of this electrical infrastructure. “There is an urgent need to build skills to embrace new technologies, drive modernisation, improve performance, reduce downtime, and comply with changing safety regulations. Not only that, but training is critical to career enhancement and a key foundation of a positive employee experience, attracting and retaining people when we’re facing a significant skills gap crisis. “Smarter engineers, equipped with the skills needed today and a clear development path to build expertise for the future, make for smarter businesses.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Veeam launches cyber resilience education programmes

Veeam Software, a provider of data protection and ransomware recovery products, has announced that new technical training and certification programmes are available through Veeam University, a service which delivers Veeam technical training to IT professionals on-demand anytime, anywhere. The new online offering is the result of a global partnership with Tsunati, a Veeam-accredited service partner, which is helping to provide on-demand, technical certification training for partners and customers worldwide. Veeam University says that it offers maximum flexibility and an immersive, engaging learning experience in a self-paced format. Its approach includes clickable labs that can be accessed 24/7, video-based demos, and technical deep dives which allow students to effectively absorb concepts and prepare for real-world cybersecurity and disaster recovery scenarios. Completion of on-demand courses offered through Veeam University qualify learners for Veeam certification exams, including Veeam Certified Engineer (VMCE). “Knowledge is critical in a world where every organisation is facing cyberthreats,” explains Mike Blanchette, Vice President, Global Sales Acceleration at Veeam. “Cyber resilience is the marriage of the right technology to protect and recover your systems and data should the worst happen, with the skills and knowledge to configure, build, and run that technology safely. “Through these new investments in Veeam University, we are preparing people to tackle any cybersecurity challenge they face and enabling cyber resiliency. Our partnership with Tsunati enables us to provide innovative technical training and certification programmes in a flexible format that best suits the learner." Tsunati is a professional services and integration company specialising in data protection, Cloud computing, and multi-tenant virtualisation. Recognised as Veeam Accredited Service Partner of the Year for 2022, Veeam believes that Tsunati has changed the world of product training, education and certification. Through its proprietary Solution Education Enablement (SEETM) framework, customers receive practical training and the critical knowledge transfer required to effectively implement and maintain cutting-edge data protection solutions powered by Veeam. "We are thrilled to join forces with Veeam in revolutionising technical certification training for data protection," says Stoney Hall, CEO of Tsunati. "This partnership represents a synergy of our expertise in Solution Enablement Education (SEETM) and Veeam’s industry-leading data protection and ransomware recovery solutions. Together, we aim to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the evolving landscape of data security effectively." New technical professional training for Veeam partners is available through the Veeam ProPartner portal, while newly updated customer technical education and certification programmes are available separately through Veeam Technical Education Services. More details on Veeam University can be found at veeamuniversity.com. For more from Veeam, click here.

Partnership to train Singapore engineers on water management

Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, and ITE are joining forces through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to solidify a collaborative partnership that will advance knowledge transfer, education, and hands-on experience in the field of water management and sustainable operations. Nalco Water will deliver lectures on data centre-specific topics such as water reclaim, reuse, and recycling, as well as sustainable design, maintenance practices, and artificial intelligence in data centre operations. In addition, the partnership entails a comprehensive knowledge exchange programme, with learning opportunities and practical water management applications. Nalco Water will provide a learning online portal accessible to students and will include training modules covering water fundamentals, water safety, safe chemical handling, reverse osmosis systems, and analytical field testing. The programme will benefit current student engineers working in the data centre industry, Ecolab claims. Speaking at the MOU signing, Ms. Poh Li San, MP Sembawang West and Deputy Chairperson GPC for Sustainability and Environment, comments, “In line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the government is proactively encouraging the delivery of best-in-class power generation technology that meets emission standards and reduces carbon emissions. The whole-of-nation plan highly supports collaboration between private organisations and institutions to drive innovation in sustainable data centre technologies and practices that improve energy efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall sustainability of data centre operations.” “We are thrilled to formalise this collaboration with ITE”, adds Mr Gregory Lukasik, Senior Vice President and Market Head of Southeast Asia at Ecolab. “Ecolab recognises the vital role of data centres in supporting the digital infrastructure. In Singapore, our expertise helps data centres implement innovative water-efficient technologies and sustainable practices, aligning with the nation's commitment to water conservation while meeting the demands of a digital-driven economy. This strategic partnership represents our commitment to fostering knowledge transfer and cultivating the next generation of talent in water management and environmental sustainability.” Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE, notes, “ITE and Ecolab share the same commitment towards sustainability and innovation. Through this collaboration, we hope to catalyse positive change across the industry and society by providing some 200 work-study diploma trainees with access to educational resources and hands-on experiences in sustainable water management, water auditing and more.” To learn more about how Ecolab works with customers to help solve the world’s most complex problems amid a changing landscape, click here. For more from Ecolab, click here.

Students explore career opportunities in data centre industry

As part of its campaign to address the ongoing skills shortage in the digital infrastructure industry, HireHigher and Baker Dearing Educational Trust brought together 60 students from East London to help them understand what careers and opportunities the data centre industry has to offer. This initiative took place at the industry’s largest digital infrastructure event, Data Centre World, which was co-located within the Tech Show London and involved the students participating in employer engagement tasks around the conference to find out as much as they could about the industry. Working with Baker Dearing, which supports University Technical Colleges (UTCs) to deliver a high-quality, industry-focused curriculum to students, the sixth formers from the London Design and Engineering UTC joined in to enjoy their very first taste of life in the data centre industry. Adelle Desouza, Founder of HireHigher, comments, “The event was a roaring success. We created a curated route complete with trivia questions for each team of students to complete. Watching the students battle it out in their teams saw them not only answering the questions posed, but having their interest peaked - with so many giving extensive answers. Visiting select exhibitors, students were empowered to engage with stands and sponsors across the show floor. “Led by current young professionals, our rising stars and industry all-stars, the groups really got stuck in and everyone seemed to get a lot out of the day. I would like to thank the conference organisers, and our headline sponsors Portman Partners and OneEighty, alongside The Data Centre Alliance, EnerSys, Sudlows, KAO Data and LeGrand for making the event possible and inspiring so many students with the work we do in the data centre industry.” Director of Education and Innovation for the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, Kate Ambrosi, comments, "We appreciate the support that HireHigher has provided in expanding UTC students' knowledge of the data centre sector. Young people in UTCs regularly engage with employers in highly-specialised sectors, so Data Centre World was a fantastic opportunity to continue that work on a much larger scale. London Design and Engineering UTC's visit to Data Centre World helped focus students' energies and ought to strengthen the pipeline of talented young people from across the UTC network who are entering digital industries."

Schneider Electric partners with MK:U to develop smart campuses

Schneider Electric has announced a partnership with MK:U, part of Cranfield University. The two organisations will work closely together to shape the university courses of the future, ensuring that learning is applied to the real world, to prepare students to meet the current and future needs of the business world. Schneider Electric is investing with MK:U to train its degree apprentices in the coming years. Courses will include digital technology and solutions, cybersecurity, and a range of digital engineering options.  As the future campus of MK:U is developed, it will participate in the open tender process to provide expert advice on the smart technology required to create a sustainable-by-design campus from the ground up. Chris Collins, Country President and VP of Major Pursuits, Schneider Electric, says, “Students, businesses and the local community will all benefit from our partnership and the close collaboration that this will bring. Together, we can develop skills that are fit for future business, inspire a new generation, and help to promote DE&I talent to enter the STEM workforce though leading research and technology innovation projects.” “Working with MK:U, we will collaborate to innovate and promote sustainability to tackle the challenges of effective energy management that are critical to meeting net zero targets.” Professor Lynette Ryals OBE, Chief Executive of MK:U, says, “Close partnership with an organisation that has shared values and commitments to sustainability, inclusivity and representation in the industry is extremely important to us. MK:U is ‘built with business, for business’ and this partnership truly embodies this. This collaboration will help us shape education courses that will address the current and real challenges in the UK and ensure learning is aligned to business needs.” Click here for more on Schneider Electric.

STACK Infrastructure expand Women in Data Centres program

STACK Infrastructure has expanded its Women in Data Centres program aimed at recruiting and supporting the career development of new and diverse talent in the data centre industry. The program offers a year long, full time, paid apprenticeship that targets candidates of all backgrounds with strong values, who do not have prior data centre operations experience. The apprentices will train alongside industry professionals as critical operations technicians with the opportunity to be placed in a permanent role in one of the company’s American facilities upon completion of the program. Although the program is actively sourcing women, the company is an equal opportunity employer that supports diverse, inclusive and unbiased hiring practices and all interested applicants are encouraged to apply. “We are proud to greatly expand this program after a successful first year, which experienced tangible, positive results with previous apprentices who are now thriving in their full time positions within the data centre field,” says, Brian Cox, Chief Executive Officer of STACK Americas. “It is essential that the digital infrastructure industry diversify its technical operations talent pool by addressing the underrepresentation of women and diverse groups to create an equitable environment where new voices and new ideas can flourish.” The goal of the program is to attract applicants who would not normally have the baseline experience for the position of critical operations technician, a role that is crucial in maintaining uptime within these critical facilities. Following the success of last year’s program, STACK has placed candidates and continues to accept applications for the 2023 class. It ensures that regardless of employment background, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law​, all employees have the training, guidance, and tools to obtain high demand skills necessary to be successful in this rapidly growing industry with historically lucrative career advancements. Interested candidates should visit the STACK Infrastructure careers page for more information and to apply.