Powering Growth: Talent and diversity in data centres

14th October 2024

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With cutting-edge developments and global projects shaping the future, the data centre industry has a skills challenge. As the sector urgently addresses the talent gap, it’s also the perfect opportunity to embrace diversity and foster innovation explains Christopher Todd. 

 

This September, I attended the annual DCD Connect London 2024 event along with my colleagues Pieter Schaap and Conor Ford. Events like DCD Connect London are essential opportunities for sector leaders to get together and debate the issues shaping our industry. And top of everyone’s agenda this year was people. As the sector evolves, it’s talented professionals who are steering the transformation. The right talent isn’t just a support element; it’s the backbone of growth and progress. In our rapidly expanding industry, it’s clear that finding, fostering, and developing this talent will be the key to success.  

 

The changing landscape of data centre talent 

The growth of the data centre market is undeniable, but with this explosive expansion comes a significant challenge: the talent just isn’t there. 

The demand for skilled professionals is outpacing the available talent pool, which is creating a gap that the industry is still struggling to close. The speed at which new data centres are being built, and the complexity of the technology involved, means that we need more specialised skills. But the reality is, the talent pipeline simply hasn’t kept up. 

I believe one of the key reasons for this is that many people are still unfamiliar with the data centre industry as a career path. It’s an evolving sector that, for a long time, flew under the radar. Unlike traditional industries, the world of data centres isn’t something most people have direct visibility into, even though it’s crucial to powering the technology we all rely on. After all, the “cloud” isn’t a real place—it’s powered by data centres all around the world. 

More recently, however, the data centre sector has become a global platform, bringing in talent from diverse locations and cultures. For talented professionals, the sector is creating unparalleled opportunities to work alongside international teams and learn from various disciplines. This cross-pollination of skills and perspectives is critical to the continued growth and innovation of the industry. The companies that are differentiating in this space are ones like Soben, who see this global reach as an opportunity to build a diverse and skilled workforce. We’re not just focused on filling project-specific roles but on nurturing the talent that will drive long-term success. 

 

Bridging the talent gap 

One of the most exciting aspects of working in the data centre space is the global reach of projects. Whether you want to work in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, the data centre industry offers the chance to travel and gain experience in diverse locations around the world. I know from my own personal experience that it’s a field that doesn’t just offer job opportunities—it offers a global career. 

At Soben, we recognise that addressing the talent shortage in the data centre industry requires a proactive approach. That’s why upskilling through initiatives like the Soben Academy is a key part of our strategy—not only for growing our team but also for raising awareness about the opportunities within the data centre market. We’re committed to making more people aware of this dynamic and ever-evolving industry, and why Soben is a unique and exciting place to build a career in data centres. 

To help bridge the gap, we are actively engaging with universities to give students early exposure to the data centre world. We want to help them understand the industry’s potential, and the experience they can gain by working in it. By reaching out to future talent before they even enter the workforce, we are helping them see the value in pursuing a career in this fast-growing market. 

Internally, the Soben Academy is also our way of investing in future leaders. The platform allows us to invest in the development of our people, providing tailored training that gives them the skills they need to thrive in the data centre sector. By continuously upskilling our team, we ensure that we’re not only filling the talent gap but leading the way in delivering the best solutions for our global clients. 

 

Diversity and Inclusion: The future of data centre talent 

One of the most significant opportunities for the data centre industry is the potential to leverage a diverse talent pool. At Soben, we see our global projects as a platform to bring in talent from different corners of the world. By hiring local resources with local knowledge, we strengthen our teams while ensuring projects benefit from regional expertise and understanding. 

One of the most interesting sessions I attended at DCD London was the debate on whether we have reached a tipping point in the diversity and inclusion conversation. The discussion examined the current state of D&I in the industry, the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented to date, and most importantly, where the industry should focus next to achieve maximum impact. I walked away from it reflecting on the small but mighty initiatives Soben provides, like visas and relocation support – both key to fostering diversity. By making it easier for people from different backgrounds and nationalities to join us, we open the industry to a wider range of skills and perspectives. This diversity enriches our teams and leads to more innovative solutions, driving the industry forward. At Soben, diversity covers everything from age, nationality and gender, to background and experience. It’s this mix that helps us approach challenges in unique ways and deliver exceptional results. 

 

Conclusion 

Now is the time to address the industry’s most significant challenge – building a sustainable and diverse talent pipeline. For the industry to thrive, it is vital that every company looks at innovative ways of addressing the critical talent shortage, championing diversity and creating a desirable career path for the next generation. Soben remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce, ensuring the industry can meet the increasing demands of the digital age. 

 

Soben is working with the global leaders in data centres on some of the world’s largest, most complex schemes – and we’re always looking for talented professionals to join us. To learn more about how you could build a career in data centres at Soben, contact Christopher on the details below:    

Christopher Todd 

Key Account Manager and Talent Partner  

[email protected]  

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