The first wave of “next gen” tech talent for data centre infrastructure has emerged from the DataCentre Academy at TAFE NSW in Sydney’s Meadowbank, designed to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce in cloud computing and AI.
Twenty-two students trained in data centre and critical environment skills graduated from two short intensive courses that were co-designed by TAFE NSW and Microsoft to fast-track students into roles such as data centre technician and critical environment technician.
With the sector anticipating the need for an additional 8,300 skilled workers by the end of the decade, the academy is “preparing a new generation of skilled professionals ready to meet the growing demand in the digital infrastructure sector,” according to the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.
The Datacentre Academy includes hands-on experience in a simulated data centre lab at Meadowbank, along with mentoring and job-readiness support.
“Through this partnership, TAFE NSW is giving students direct access to the skills, knowledge, and industry connections they need to thrive in a digital world,” Mr Whan said.
The graduates will also have opportunities to interview for roles with Microsoft and other industry employers looking for tech talent.
Australia now ranks among the top five data centre hubs worldwide. With more than 200 data centres across the country and investment projected to surge beyond $26 billion by 2030, there is a pressing need for a skilled workforce to run and maintain this critical infrastructure that underpins the boom in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Outgoing Microsoft Australia managing director Steve Worrall said, “we’re thrilled to congratulate today’s graduates – they’re pioneers of a program that’s unlocking real career opportunities in two of the most in-demand roles in tech.
“The Datacentre Academy is part of a broader Microsoft commitment to help Australia seize the immense opportunities presented by cloud computing and generative AI,” he said on Tuesday.
“Our research with Mandala shows the AI economy alone could deliver $18.8 billion in annual revenue by 2035 – and it all starts with building the skilled workforce to get us there.”
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