Intelligent Data Centres Issue 06 | Page 60

SKILLS SPOTLIGHT Giving back to the industry as a CNet Instructor Tony Hassett, Instructor at CNet Training, offers some insight into his career journey, tells us what sets CNet apart from others and provides advice for aspiring data centre professionals. C Can you tell us a bit more about who you are and your journey to becoming a CNet Training Instructor? I have always been involved in the technical aspects of the data centre industry, firstly training in the mechanical engineering field before progressing into the electrical element. This was also my introduction to what I would now consider my area of expertise, the structured cabling or network cable infrastructure industry as it is referred to today. This is where I believe my passion for the data centre industry first started. Having a unique set of skills enables me to impart my knowledge in a very informal way through CNet’s unique education framework. 60 Issue 06 How did you enter the DC sector? My entry was primarily through the structured cabling industry, I was the Technical Sales Director of one of Ireland’s leading distribution companies. This was when the term data centre was in its infancy. We referred to them as comms rooms back then. I was involved in developing sales plans based on a technical solution platform for many of Ireland’s first data centre operators. Why did you decide to become an Instructor? I decided to sell my shareholding in the distribution company and develop a consultancy practice. I had known CNet for a long time as the leading supplier of training/education in the network cable infrastructure and data centre sectors. I was continuously learning in my daily consultancy activities so when the opportunity arose to join CNet, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to give back to the industry. It was a no brainer. Most rewarding thing about being an Instructor? Learner appreciation – it gives you a great sense of achievement in knowing that you have enabled a learner to be the best they can and prove it with official certification and qualifications. Also, it’s great to know that they are using their newly found knowledge and skills, that I have taught them, in their daily job. What makes a good Instructor? An Instructor who listens to their learners will enable them to develop an individual www.intelligentdatacentres.com