Executive Summary
- Data centre apprenticeships are increasing due to a practical learning style and are getting more popular as a pathway into a career in data centres.
- We explore the human side of recruiting and data centre careers and speak to former and current apprentices of TES Group on the true impact of apprenticeships.
- Martin Brannigan, Operations Director of TES Group, describes their approach to apprenticeships and calls for more pathways into engineering to give young people more opportunities.
The number of data centre apprenticeships is increasing, as the hands-on, practical learning style in real working environments gives people a taste of what life in a data centre looks like – and they’re loving it.
The industry has huge growth potential, and with that comes career progression, innovation and job roles that weren’t invented until they were needed. The future is bright and full of possibilities for new recruits as the industry looks towards bringing in the next wave of talent, as the skills gap widens.
We spoke to TES Group to explore the true impact of data centre apprenticeships on the people that it affects most: the apprentices.
Leah Deane, Project Manager (former apprentice)
“Starting as an apprentice gave me the chance to learn by actually doing the work – seeing a project through from the initial design right down to the mechanical and electrical assembly. That hands-on exposure strengthened my technical knowledge far more than classroom learning alone. I chose engineering quite randomly at college, and I was the only female in the room, but I stuck it out, and I’m so glad I did. The industry has been incredibly welcoming. If we want more people, especially women, to join, we need to show them what engineering really looks like and make these opportunities more visible.”
Aoibheann Carlin, 4th-year Apprentice
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school, and I liked the idea of learning while working instead of studying without direction. I was surprised by how approachable the work is; looking at a wiring-drawing can be quite daunting at first, but once you understand it, it becomes second nature. I love that every day is different and hands-on, and the team atmosphere is brilliant; everyone helps you succeed. Women are more than capable of doing this job. I can do everything the men can do, and I think promoting that message would bring more of us into the industry.”
Luiseach McFadden, 1st-year Apprentice Electrician
“I got into this because my brother was doing it and clearly enjoying it, so I decided to give it a go. Five months in, I’m learning something new every day, and I love that feeling of accomplishment when you complete a panel and see the full project come together. I didn’t realise how accessible this career really is, a lot of women don’t know this job is even an option for them. More visibility in schools would help, because not everyone wants or needs to go to university. The culture here is really positive and supportive, and I’m excited about the opportunities to work abroad in the future.”
Martin Brannigan, Operations Director at TES Group, tells us the industry needs to invest more into recruitment pathways to enable young people more opportunities to thrive working in data centres:
“At TES, we give our apprentices hands-on experience and real responsibility from the beginning, working on mission-critical projects that build both confidence and capability.
“For the future of the data centre sector, we need to invest more in structured pathways into engineering, and give young people new opportunities to grow into the industry. If we want to deliver new infrastructure for the future, we must nurture our talent pipeline.”
