EXPERT OPINION
Apprentices and the opportunity for the data centre industry
Building the ideal apprenticeship environment is a key component to closing the data centre skills gap . Steve Hayward , Senior Director European Operations , CyrusOne , offers a solution to how data centre operators and the wider community can respond to join untapped talent with growing businesses in need of support . ith recent UK Government data finding over 95 %
W of employers say they experienced at least one benefit of hiring an apprentice – and with most counting at least eight positives – it ’ s clear there is a tremendous opportunity for more organisations to consider apprenticeship schemes .
What ’ s more , there is a growing number of young people questioning whether higher education is really for them and instead considering becoming apprentices – recent research found participation in apprenticeships by those aged 19 + in 2021 / 22 saw an increase of 3.3 % on the 2020 / 21 figure . On top of that , there is a clear need for the technology sector – and more specifically , the data centre industry – to address the ongoing skills gap . But this begs the question , how can data centre operators and the wider community respond to join untapped talent with growing businesses in need of support ?
There are two key elements to this – break down barriers to achieving diversity , equity and inclusion and build the ideal apprenticeship .
Continue to build inclusive environments
It is important that potential new hires from all backgrounds can thrive in their apprenticeship , which requires an ongoing commitment to actively improve diversity , equity and inclusion ( DEI ).
The good news is that at a national level , potential invisible barriers to greater diversity in apprentices are breaking down . In February 2023 , the Department for Education announced it is raising awareness of apprenticeship options available to young people , and that via UCAS will allow people to apply for apprenticeships alongside their degrees , which will make it easier for a wider pool to take the apprentice route .
But companies should also drill down into what they can do to improve . Achieving DEI is not a ‘ one and done ’ activity , it requires continual review
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