F E A T U R E
CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP: PROACTIVE ACTION THROUGH COLLECTIVE EFFORT
In June, Lynchpin Media hosted a roundtable discussion about the data centre skills gap; an issue that requires urgent action and attention. Alix Pressley, Director of Strategic Content, offers an overview of the discussion, highlighting key themes, takeaways and food for thought. he data centre industry
T is being redefined and AI is driving the change. Organisations across the globe are improving their operations and modernising data centre infrastructure to accommodate the unprecedented growth rate of this tech revolution.
According to research by Goldman Sachs, AI will drive a 165 % increase in data centre power demand by 2030. This means the automation of repetitive, low-level tasks and the creation of higher-skilled roles such as in infrastructure management, AI hardware deployment and energy optimisation.
AI growth also requires the construction of more data centres, particularly hyperscale and Edge facilities. Green data centres will need energyefficient design models and sustainability efforts which will depend on expert human knowledge. Human oversight is a key requirement for critical decision-making, particularly as data centres become increasingly complex alongside the implementation of emerging technologies.
However, while the technology required to power data centres is on an upwards trajectory, the human workforce is not, despite the skills being readily available. While AI drives demand, not all roles can be automated – sourcing the necessary expertise to fill them will ultimately determine the future of this critical sector so it’ s essential we don’ t lose sight of what’ s important.
In a bid to avoid the collapse of an industry coined‘ the lifeblood of modernisation’, I sat down with data centre experts to address
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