Empowering the Next Generation in the Data Centre Industry
Amidst the ongoing skills shortage in the data centre industry, HireHigher and CyrusOne, a prominent global data centre developer and operator, recently collaborated to organize a groundbreaking digital infrastructure conference for 90 sixth form students from St Mark’s Catholic, Gunnersbury Catholic, and Logic Studio Schools in West London. This event, held at the London Heathrow Marriott Hotel, marked the largest student-facing conference of its kind in the UK and coincided with International Data Centre Day.
For the past three years, HireHigher and CyrusOne have been working together to raise awareness about the critical role data centres play in society and the wide array of job opportunities they offer, particularly among Gen Z individuals. Data centres serve as the backbone of countless economic, scientific, and social activities, yet a recent survey conducted by CyrusOne revealed that individuals aged 16-24 are the least informed about the role of data centres in enabling digital applications like WhatsApp.
It is crucial to educate the younger generation about the significance of data centres in our daily lives to ensure a well-informed future workforce. Events like the one organized by HireHigher and CyrusOne serve as a platform to enlighten students about the importance of data centres, their vital role in modern society, and the diverse career paths available within the industry.
Engaging the Future Workforce
Adelle Desouza, Founder of HireHigher, emphasizes the importance of inspiring passion in young individuals to attract top talent to the industry. By hosting events tailored for sixth form students, companies like CyrusOne demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the next generation of data centre professionals.
Emma Fryer, Director Public Policy Europe at CyrusOne, highlights the value of in-person engagement in connecting with future talent. Through interactive activities like designing a community-oriented data centre, students gain firsthand insights into the industry’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of the field.
Building a Stronger Industry
With the support of VIRTUS Data Centres, HireHigher aims to enhance careers advice in schools and collaborate with organizations to drive tangible progress within the data centre industry. Events like the one hosted for sixth form students contribute to attracting new talent and addressing the industry’s current skills shortage in a positive manner.
During the conference, students had the chance to interact with graduates and apprentices from CyrusOne and HireHigher’s Rising Star Programme, learning about different career paths and industry insights. Additionally, students were given the opportunity to visit data centres operated by CyrusOne and VIRTUS, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Vlad Tipu, a Computer Science teacher at Logic School, commends the event for providing students with a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in a thriving sector. By offering diverse perspectives and potential career paths, events like these empower students to explore exciting opportunities for their futures.
