Out of Office 4D Data Centres joins scheme to connect school
students with working network engineers 4D DATA CENTRES is a gold sponsor of I’m an Engineer, a student-led online engagement activity which connects school students with working network engineers from across the UK. An online STEM enrichment activity, the event aims to
encourage children into engineering and science (80% of children like science but only 20% think of a career in science, oſten because of the way that scientists are portrayed in media) and to explain that data centres exist and discuss the wealth of career opportunities they offer. Troughout November, engineers from different companies, in
industries anywhere from construction to design, were on hand to answer students’ questions about working in engineering through an online text-based programme. With November focusing on web and data engineering, data centre professionals have been encouraged to take part to showcase career options in their field. Tis will help both those who want to enter the sector, and those who haven’t considered it, to be well informed about their options aſter education. With the skills gap appearing frequently in
the news, it is widely known that there is a lack of trained workers on the horizon for upcoming technology-focused jobs. Tis is raising concerns in many industries, with many believing that one area that can help is targeting students at the grassroots level, enticing them through education to consider tech and data-related roles. Tis includes placing a greater emphasis on careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. When it comes to data centres, a key part of meeting demands
“Shortages in our industry will take at least 10 years to address if we do it by ourselves”
talent, educating them on the opportunities the data centre industry offers and encouraging them to come on board. If the options aren’t made clear and early enough, roles are only going to get harder to fill.” Helping school students to learn more about
engineering is inspiring the next generation and providing realistic role models in the form of existing engineers. Tose taking part in the initiative are able to improve their communication skills and gain experience of public engagement. I’m an Engineer is open to all engineering-related professionals in the Internet infrastructure sector in industry, academia or public sector roles.
in the long term is acknowledging the importance of improving diversity and attracting new talent to the workplace. Tere is oſten a lack of understanding about what the data centre sector is and the career opportunities it offers, which is why it needs initiatives like I’m an Engineer to be made more accessible and for those in the industry to do their part as role models. With Britain’s tech sector now at the heart of the government’s
plan to transform the economy, it’s hard to believe that the industry - where salaries are about double the national average - is so badly impacted by skill shortages. “Shortages in our industry will take at least 10 years to address
if we do it by ourselves,” commented David Barker, founder and Chief Technology Officer of 4D Data Centres. “We are struggling to find network engineers and others with knowledge of high-voltage electronics. If it continues like this we could struggle to maintain services. It’s unsustainable. “Tat’s why schemes like this are so important to both the
present and future of the industry. We need to get the sector to a good place and get the attention of upcoming
66 | December/January 2022
www.pcr-online.biz
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
