Data centers launch in-house training to fill skills gap

The rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure is exposing a widening skills gap in the data center sector. Operators and equipment vendors are responding by creating their own workforce development programs, including apprenticeships, vendor certifications, and partnerships with community colleges and trade schools. These initiatives aim to address shortages of technicians, engineers, electricians, and infrastructure specialists that threaten project timelines and operational performance.

The shift reflects a growing recognition that traditional educational pipelines were not designed to produce workers with the specialized skills required for modern, automated, and power-intensive data centers. While data centers have faced criticism for generating relatively few permanent jobs compared to their physical footprint and tax incentives, industry leaders argue that the roles they do create are becoming increasingly technical and difficult to fill through conventional hiring channels.

Industry-led training programs

To bridge the gap, companies are investing in structured workforce pathways that combine hands-on learning with standardized certifications. Digital Realty, for example, has partnered with DCD Academy to launch New Hire Accelerate Pathways, a program that merges onboarding with certification to ensure consistent training across regions. Audrey Escalante, head of global operations learning and development at Digital Realty, emphasized the need for structure and accessibility in training, noting that informal or site-specific onboarding risks creating knowledge gaps.

Johnson Controls has taken a similar approach by expanding its Advanced Development and Engineering Center (JADEC), which integrates product development, testing, and workforce training. Todd Grabowski, president of North America at Johnson Controls, described the goal as ensuring technicians are prepared before systems are deployed, rather than addressing issues after they arise in the field. "This creates a continuous loop between innovation and execution," he said.

"Closing that gap will require new approaches to workforce development that prioritize hands-on learning, real-world environments, and continuous upskilling aligned to the speed of innovation." — Todd Grabowski, president, North America, Johnson Controls (Data Center Knowledge)

Other operators are targeting specific skill shortages. Kao Data, a UK-based data center operator, launched its Critical Careers program to attract more women to engineering and operations roles, while also partnering with educational institutions to reach candidates earlier in their careers. Lizzy McDowell, director of marketing at Kao Data, highlighted the growing demand for electrical engineers with experience in high-density power distribution and on-site generation, as well as HVAC and thermal specialists for liquid and hybrid cooling systems. Commissioning engineers and networking experts for AI fabrics are also in short supply, with senior design talent remaining the scarcest resource.

Broader talent pipelines

The industry is also expanding its recruitment efforts beyond traditional four-year engineering degrees. Community colleges, trade schools, certifications, and apprenticeships are increasingly seen as viable pathways into data center careers. Digital Realty’s partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) focuses on helping students build real-world skills for long-term careers in the sector. Escalante noted that these programs can introduce students to data center careers earlier and provide foundational skills that align with industry needs.

Yondr, another data center operator, has launched scholarship programs in Toronto, Northern Virginia, Belfast, and Slough, England, to reduce barriers to entry and develop local talent. James Watkins, director of talent acquisition at Yondr, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the diversity of careers in digital infrastructure, which span sustainability, finance, operations, and communications. "Many people simply don’t realize the scale and diversity of careers that exist across digital infrastructure," he said.

Business risks and long-term solutions

The skills gap is no longer just a recruitment challenge—it has become a strategic business risk. Grabowski warned that customers are already feeling the effects, as operators struggle to maintain sufficient field resources to keep facilities running at peak performance. This operational risk is driving increased investment in workforce development, with a focus on aligning people and technology to deliver reliable performance.

Escalante stressed that solving the skills gap requires both access and standardization. "The industry needs to bring more people into the pipeline while also making sure workers receive consistent, practical training that maps to the realities of data center operations," she said. As AI infrastructure continues to scale, the demand for skilled workers will only grow, making workforce development a critical priority for the sector.