EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
HOW CAN DATA CENTRE MANAGERS ENSURE THEIR TEAMS ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE RELEVANT SKILLS TO RESPOND TO EVOLVING TRANSFORMATION ?
s Digital Transformation
A continues to evolve , it is important for data centre managers to prepare their teams to manage such development , particularly if Britain ’ s technology sector is to continue contributing £ 400 million to the national economy every day . To maintain its position in a post-Brexit world , we must equip people with the skills needed to develop and utilise future technologies .
“ For data centre companies , it is imperative that teams have the necessary skills to ensure smooth operations , even in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape ,” said Russell Poole , Managing Director UK , Equinix . “ Teams must adapt to the myriad demands of companies that are continually looking to improve their systems through new deployments , architectures and technologies that provide a competitive advantage .”
During the pandemic , the resilience of organisations and their teams has been put to the test . “ Our entire industry is considered ‘ critical infrastructure ’ by many government entities ,” continued Poole . “ Our teams recognised the inherent responsibility they had to maintain operations , despite the fact we had to restrict access to a number of our data centres to protect the collective health , safety and well-being of all those who work for us , with us , or who come into contact with us .
“ To ensure our teams have the relevant skills to respond to evolving challenges , we create a unique atmosphere whereby individuals regularly share knowledge with one another . Our subject matter experts regularly hold pass-down sessions where employees from across the company can learn more about our products , services and offerings .”
In 2011 , Equinix identified the need for a recognised data centre qualification and developed its own programme for UK apprentices to become certified Data Centre Technicians . “ We now provide four separate training opportunities : an Electro-Technical apprenticeship ; a Mature Student apprenticeship in the Facilities Team ; a Customer Operations apprenticeship in the Operations Team ; and a Business Administration apprenticeship for office-based roles . These have proven incredibly popular , not least because they offer an alternative route into employment for those who might not want to go down the path of higher education , but because these courses are designed specifically to provide new-starters with the skills necessary to thrive in the fast-paced , rapidly evolving technology environment .
“ If the UK is going to maintain its position as a leader in the technology space , it is critical that companies , governments and schools all work together to educate people on the benefits of working in technology and provide the necessary skills needed to keep pace with innovation ,” said Poole .
IN 2011 , EQUINIX IDENTIFIED THE NEED FOR A RECOGNISED DATA CENTRE QUALIFICATION AND DEVELOPED ITS OWN PROGRAMME FOR UK APPRENTICES TO BECOME CERTIFIED DATA CENTRE TECHNICIANS . www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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