How Kao Data is Securing Future Data Centre Talent
As the data centre market expands, so does the need for people to run them.
It is no secret that data centre operators worldwide are struggling to recruit engineers and IT specialists.
With the AI boom has come a data centre one – and with that an understanding of how vital data centres are – but this requires data centre specialists.
Now Kao Data, a UK developer and operator of data centres for AI and advanced computing, has realised this urgency – and is taking a refreshing approach to the problem by focusing on primary school classrooms.
The importance of the Kao Academy programme
The company is relaunching its Kao Academy programme with curriculum-based lesson plans for nine to 11-year-olds across schools in England.
“For the UK to remain competitive in the growing AI and digital economy, it’s our collective responsibility to develop innovative and engaging initiatives that bridge education and industry early.”
The materials explain what data centres actually do – and outline the kinds of careers available in the sector.
There are games, puzzles and a competition for schools near Kao Data’s sites in Harlow, Slough and Stockport.
The Uptime Institute, which tracks the data centre sector, forecasts global staffing demand will hit 2.3 million roles.
UK operators are already finding it difficult to fill positions in engineering, operations and IT infrastructure – and the institute warns the gap will only widen by 2030 without early intervention.
Kao Data linking STEM education to infrastructure careers
Kao Data is framing the initiative around what it calls Data Centre Superheroes, connecting science, technology, engineering and mathematics lessons to real-world applications.
The company says it’s particularly focused on reaching underrepresented groups in technology fields.
Working with education consultants and Hark London, a social impact agency, Kao Data is running activity days in Slough schools where actual data centre professionals explain what they do.
Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, backs the approach, saying: “This new educational initiative from Kao Data is hugely welcomed in Harlow to help both teachers and children understand what data centres do and the range of high quality tech jobs that will be available in the future.
“By helping teachers deliver these vital lessons, we ensure the next generation is ready to thrive in tomorrow’s tech-driven world and give every child, no matter their background, the opportunity to imagine themselves in a data centre job role.”
He adds that “introducing primary school children to the technology sector from an early age is key to unlocking their potential and widening their career horizons.”
The workforce requirements for an AI economy
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, frames it as preparation for an AI-dependent economy.
“We must equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy,” he says.
“Initiatives like the Kao Academy play a vital role in this effort, introducing children to the world of data centres and the critical role technology plays in our lives.”
He welcomes the regional investment too: “It is great that Kao Data is investing in the North West and investing in our children’s futures – the Kao Academy relaunch will help to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering.”
Specifically, these facilities need engineers to maintain cooling systems, power infrastructure and network connectivity, plus IT specialists to manage server operations and security protocols.
Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, says: “Our newly re-launched Kao Academy will help children connect STEM subjects to the data centre industry, sparking interest at a formative age and encouraging underrepresented groups to see a place for themselves in the tech industry, specifically the fast-moving data centre industry.
“The data centre industry has a critical talent shortage, so by engaging with primary school children in the areas in which we operate, we can inspire our young people to consider a rewarding STEM career path.
“For the UK to remain competitive in the growing AI and digital economy, it’s our collective responsibility to develop innovative and engaging initiatives that bridge education and industry early, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and ambition to step into roles in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.”
