Our digital world is undergoing a massive transformation, largely driven by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Behind the scenes, a critical and often overlooked aspect of this revolution faces a significant challenge: attracting young talent. The competition for skilled workers affects many industries, and the data center sector is no exception.
A recent survey by the Uptime Institute reveals a stark reality: over half (53 percent) of data center operators report significant difficulties in finding qualified personnel. This marks a troubling 15 percent increase since 2018, highlighting a growing talent gap. As experienced veterans in the data center industry approach retirement, the industry faces an additional hurdle: positioning data centers as sleek, alluring tech hubs to compete with other attractive tech industries for young talent.
Additional research suggests the number of staff needed to run the world’s data centers will grow from around two million to nearly 2.3 million by 2025. With the average data center engineer aged 60, it’s clear that new blood is essential for the industry’s longevity and success.
Looming retirement may threaten unprepared data centers
The skills shortage in the data center industry is driven by a lack of young talent entering the field, compounded by the impending retirement of experienced workers. The valuable knowledge and experience of veteran data center employees is at risk of being lost due to retirement or even career changes. According to JLL's report, nearly half of the workforce has over 20 years of experience, indicating that a significant portion could retire within the next decade. Being unprepared to replace this potential loss of expertise could negatively impact the efficiency and long-term success of data centers.
Barriers to connecting with emerging talent
Historically, data centers have been hidden in the technological background, lacking the appeal of flashier fields like cybersecurity or software development. Additionally, larger brand-name companies with higher salaries often lure away fresh talent, leaving smaller organizations struggling to keep up.
The data center industry's stringent security protocols further complicate attracting young talent. These facilities store critical equipment for businesses and governments, making security from physical attacks and hackers a top priority. This is why limited information about their location, design, and security can be shared to avoid vulnerabilities, however, this reduces the ability to present a comprehensive and exciting picture of their operations.
Unlike a social media company with a trendy office and a ping pong table, data centers can't exactly plaster their location and security features all over the internet. Outside the industry, there is limited knowledge of what data centers do, making it difficult to craft a compelling narrative that captures young people's attention.
Actions the industry can take
Data centers should actively participate in career fairs at universities and colleges, positioning themselves as cutting-edge tech companies. Operators can set up booths with VR headsets to provide students with virtual tours showcasing data center operations, including server configurations and simulated maintenance procedures. It's crucial to have experienced data center operators on-site to discuss operations, answer questions, and explain the nuances of a career in this field. Additionally, data centers can create and share walkthrough videos to highlight what young talent can expect.
An increasing number of data centers are also offering internships and placement programs to give students hands-on experience with data center operations while fostering a culture of longevity. Many students may not realize that data centers require a diverse range of skills beyond technical expertise, including security, engineering, and organizational skills. It's not just about working with computers; it's also about problem-solving, ensuring smooth operations, and managing ever-changing metrics.
By taking these steps to connect with and attract emerging talent, data centers can shed their outdated image and showcase the dynamic and innovative work they do. Young people drawn to the latest advancements will find that data centers are at the forefront of AI, automation, and robotics integration - providing exciting career opportunities in these fields.
Working with innovative technology
Automation, AI, and robotics in data centers are highly attractive to younger generations due to their complexity and constant evolution. These technologies present ongoing challenges in optimizing data flow, ensuring security, and maximizing efficiency - providing a stimulating environment for those who enjoy problem-solving. The skills gained from working with AI, automation, and robotics are transferable and highly sought after across many industries, appealing to young people hesitant to commit to a single career path.
Moreover, automation can handle mundane tasks, allowing data center staff to focus on strategic work and achieve a better work-life balance, which is particularly important to younger generations. As data centers become more automated, opportunities for remote work in areas like monitoring and analysis increase, offering the flexibility of a work-from-anywhere lifestyle.
Stepping into a data center
A young person striving for a career in the data center industry needs a solid foundation in technical skills. This includes understanding server hardware, networking, and storage systems. The ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems is highly important. Familiarity with virtualization technology is also advantageous.
However, technical proficiency alone isn't enough. The data center industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest advancements in hardware and infrastructure is essential. Attention to detail is highly valued, as spotting potential problems early can prevent major issues.
To prepare the next generation of talent, data centers can encourage young professionals to pursue certifications relevant to data center technologies, validating their skills and knowledge. Also, pairing them with seasoned technicians provides invaluable guidance and hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for success.
It's time to act
The data center industry stands at a crossroads. With fewer young people entering the field and experienced workers retiring, valuable knowledge and expertise risk being lost. To secure its future, the industry must modernize its image and actively engage the next generation.
By showcasing the dynamic nature of data centers — highlighting cutting-edge automation, AI, and problem-solving challenges — the industry can attract young talent. Data centers offer exciting career paths and serve as the backbone of the digital world, aligning with young people's desire for purpose and innovation.
Implementing creative outreach programs and emphasizing the unique opportunities within data centers will help bridge the talent gap and ensure a prosperous future. Now is the time to transform data centers into the next tech magnet for young minds.
