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GEN Z: HOW WE WANT THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION TO SHAPE OUR CAREERS - FROM SOCIAL, TO TECH, AT WORK, TO AI What digital disruption means to Gen Z and the data centre
sector firms who will employ them By Ben Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer, AVK-SEG
A
s a supplier of energy solutions and services for data centres across Europe, AVK takes seriously our responsibilities in
propelling forward the digital revolution. This extends to the use of digital technologies in operations, how digital is changing partner and customer engagements and, equally importantly, how accelerating digital revolution advances affect and impact our people. AVK is an organisation that operates an open and inclusive working environment. As such we value opinions through encouraging discussion on every aspect of digital disruption.
In this second of a series of articles based on
interviews with four young staffers who joined AVK in the last 12 months we address questions about how Gen Z wants to use and engage with digital technology, both in the workplace and in their daily lives. We believe it is important to address the concerns of Gen Z about how the implementation of AI might impact their roles. This is because those entering the workforce today will shape industry over the coming decades and AVK believes that such questions are particularly apposite for digital infrastructure and power businesses.
It is clear that the ongoing and accelerating digital revolution presents challenges to employers like us to clearly communicate with our people how we are evaluating and will integrate emerging applied AI technologies across our different business functions.
Digitally native – not digitally naive Gen Z is the generation who have grown up surrounded by smart phones, social media and always-on connectivity. The Gen Z individuals that firms such as AVK are seeking to attract into the power and data centre sector are the first ‘digitally native’ adults.
This makes their views as young professionals on topics including social media, workplace IT, the digital economy and the impact of AI particularly relevant to AVK as a business and to the broader data centre power market. Views expressed reflected the fact that classifications such as ‘digital native’ can hide real complexities of how Gen Z perceives and uses technology and how they expect it may be used in the workplace.
A key take away is that it would be a mistake for data centre businesses to make assumptions that ‘native’ means an unquestioning acceptance of the ever greater use of all digital technology. Filippos van Ryswyk, a Mechanical Engineering graduate who joined AVK from University, noted: “Technology is part of everything in work and life. With friends I know from other sectors, be they in finance, engineering, or retail, we all talk about how quickly it is ever-changing.” In answer to the question, How much is digital technology part of your life outside work? Austin Warriner, an AVK Trainee Generator Engineer says, “The smartphone is such a part of life. I must have been 11-years-old the last time I lived without a phone in my pocket. So definitely it plays a big part.”
The digital technology
revolution at work Gen Z are focused, dedicated and enjoy positive working environments and this includes benefitting from greater use of digital technology. As with all businesses AVK relies on modern IT equipment, platforms, software and communications for operational efficiency. And as a company at the forefront of powering the digital revolution through the provision of integrated power systems for data centres, AVK is exploring the use of AI and digital twins for a range of solutions.
The use of machine learning for optimising
servicing regimes, predictive analytics, executing pre-break fixes, extending mean time to repairs and lifecycle planning for equipment such as generators, alternators, UPS, energy storage systems and mechanical cooling can provide major customer benefits. This also extends to digital monitoring and management of fully integrated prime power and microgrid systems. Digital twinning and AI are an emerging set of technologies which AVK design, engineering and field staff can expect to be increasingly exposed to. This is where the human factor is important to ensure acceptance of changing work patterns along with training to make sure staff understand the benefits of technology.
As for the digital technologies our young
interviewees are exposed to at work today there are positive attitudes on its impact on their jobs and how digital tech will change the world of work in the future.
20 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025
Megan O’Connor, Lead CAD Engineer at AVK, says, “‘It will probably be a lot different. In five years, CAD programs, whether it’s with the help of AI or not, could develop massively. Tech expands constantly,” she says. “I think it could help with different tasks and it is going to change roles.” Austin also expressed confidence about the digital revolution and the opportunities it is creating.
When it comes to day to day use of digital tech in the workplace, Gen Z maintains a positive perspective on digital connectivity alongside an awareness of the always on nature of being connected.
Austin says: ‘Technology is being implemented more and more. From the way we do our time sheets to constantly updating where we are and what we’re doing.’
He says that when he started with the company,
“we did it on the computer, and it was more of an overview.” The use of the phone now means this has changed because “you are in contact to show when you’re travelling, when you’re on the site, the jobs started or completed in a day.”
A 2025 study from the Netherland’s University of
Twente, Faculty of Behavioural, Management & Social Sciences Department, covered the benefits and challenges of digital connectivity. It found some Gen Z respondents surveyed reported that they prefer staying informed outside work hours, because this offers them a sense of control and preparedness. Staying informed after work prevents them from “surprises and helps them to mentally organise their responsibilities.” Filippos points out that digital technology means that the discussions with clients and consultants are always interesting because “it is ok to ask questions based on data and opinions are valued.”
Digital Economy – impact on
work and career prospects When it comes to the digital economy, there is a wide range of feelings among Gen Z: hopes, fears, gratitude for the opportunities it continues to create, and misgivings about technology’s overuse. Austin feels that the digital revolution is a positive thing for people like him: “There’s a high demand for engineers, specifically generator engineers, so that offers me good job security.” This job security would apply also to Conor, a fellow Trainee Service Engineer. But Conor is not
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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