Next generation of digital talent explore career paths at Data Centre World

The Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) & Partners initiative attracted strong interest at the event, held 12-13 March at ExCel London, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of digital infrastructure. The stand served as a focal point for professionals eager to learn how this award-winning partnership is developing a pipeline of skilled, work-ready talent.

ALET brought 40 ambitious students from four of its UTCs, all enrolled on the Digital Futures Programme – an initiative designed in collaboration with leading digital infrastructure firms to equip students with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for careers in this fast-growing sector.

The ALET UTCs & Partners stand was officially opened by Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive at Make UK and Chair of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which represents the UK’s 44 University Technical Colleges (UTCs). UTCs are STEM-focused schools with specialisms in engineering, science and digital industries. Unlike traditional schools, students work closely with employers to ensure they receive valuable experience through industry placements, mentorships and by working on real-world projects related to the latest technological advancements.

Addressing students and employers at the start of the event, Stephen Phipson said: “Today we have a whole set of new skills that employers are looking for from people leaving school across the whole of the engineering, manufacturing and AI sectors.

“There's a real need in this country to accelerate digital skills, and we need to see more people getting involved in that at an early stage. Having employer engagement early with students helps us to understand exactly what skills and what training requirements are required for these new jobs, and the Digital Futures Programme is doing just that, with employers totally engaged in showing youngsters exactly what those digital pathways are going forward.”

The students who visited Data Centre World are all following a pioneering programme tailored to meet the booming needs of the digital infrastructure sector. The Digital Futures Programme (DFP), designed in collaboration with leading digital infrastructure companies, has been written to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The aim of the programme is to produce a generation of students who are not only academically proficient but also highly skilled in digital technologies, making them well-

prepared for the modern workforce. And it’s already seeing results, with four global awards, expansion into four schools and the first set of graduates taking up apprenticeships.

This is the third year ALET UTCs & Partners have brought students along to Data Centre World – but this year more students than ever made the most of the opportunity to connect with industry experts, attend technical seminars, and witness firsthand the innovations driving the global digital economy.

The students were paired with employer ‘mentors’ (Digital Futures Programme partner employees) there to help them get the most out of their day – finding out more about career paths within digital infrastructure and learning about the growing demand for skilled professionals in this rapidly expanding sector.

One of the mentors, Ross McConnell from Yondr Group, said: “Events like today are critical for employers as we are trying to demystify what data centres do and the value that they bring, to attract more people. Today the students have seen that there's so many different roles whether it's cyber security, energy, sustainability, and that these are roles they can aspire to.”

For many visiting Data Centre World was an eye-opening experience, allowing them to see how the theory they learn in the classroom is applied in real-world settings.

Student Suhana from UTC Heathrow said: “At first, I didn't think that there was so many tech opportunities within data centres but now, having come here, I can see that there are a lot of jobs and a lot of different roles.

UTC Heathrow student Chloe said: “Coming here has made me definite in wanting to work in a data centre. I’ve spent the day talking to lots of companies and have got so much information and contacts for apprenticeships. It’s been brilliant.”

Day two saw a panel session moderated by Allan Bosley from Ark Data Centres. The discussion tackled one of the biggest challenges in the digital infrastructure industry today - the talent shortage, and the steps educators can take to create a sustainable talent pipeline. Speaking alongside ALET Exec Director of School Improvement Wayne Edwards were representatives from Ark Data Centres, Digital Realty, CBRE and LMG, who are currently working with the students on the DFP.

Allan Bosley said: “The Digital Futures Programme is transforming the landscape by raising awareness of industry opportunities, providing real-world experience for young talent and bridging the skills gap to build a future workforce.”

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ALET UTCs & Partners remains committed to empowering the next generation of digital leaders through hands-on experiences, industry partnerships, and innovative educational programmes.

For more information about the Digital Futures Programme and Activate Learning Education Trust’s UTCs, please visit www.alet.org.uk/our-employer-partners/digital-futures-programme/.

*The thirteen partners supporting the Digital Futures programme are: Amazon Web Services, ARK Data Centres, CBRE, CNet Training, CyrusOne, DataX Connect, Digital Realty, JLL, Kao Data, LMG, Vertiv, VIRTUS Data Centres, Yondr Group