Preparing for the future: Training the data center industry
60% of data center operators are concerned about an industry wide skills shortage (DCD Global Census, October 2013) and between 60 and 80% of failures within the data center can be attributed to human error (combined figures from various industry papers, 2013). In light of this, DCProfessional Development (DCPro) has provided a structured pathway not only for the individual but also the organisation with the means to achieve its business goals.
Since its inception in 2011, DCPro has provided classroom courses taught by a growing network of expert instructors in 24 countries delivered in seven languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French, Portuguese and Italian.
Greg Sherry, General Manager of DCPro, and Master Instructor of the full suite of six DCPro classroom courses outlines the challenges of operating a professional curriculum worldwide.
''I have taught the DCPro classes on every populated continent in the world and I have found quite a variation in skill level and education in the people I have taught. In the established markets, the students tend to have very preconceived ideas on how facilities should be designed and operated, because 'that is how they have always done it'. In the emerging markets, I have found the student demographic to be less experienced, generally university educated, and keen to learn new ideas. The trainer has to be able to adapt their techniques to the different audience experience and learning expectations, and this is always helped by real life experiences which can be relayed equally effectively in both existing and new markets. Language can be a major issue and local standards, regulations and practices are also very important considerations, and require the trainer to do some homework before entering a new market’’
According to a recent report by DCD Intelligence and Datacenterpeople, over 60% of data center operators cite lack of suitably qualified staff as one of the major issues they are faced with. There is obviously an industry wide problem that needs to be addressed in terms of attracting new talent into the industry and ensuring a pipeline of personnel with relevant training and experience. Greg discusses the likely consequences of a skills shortage in the technology space:
“As the number of data centres expands worldwide and the reliance on the data held within them grows almost exponentially, our expectations of availability will increase accordingly. If we cannot train enough people in line with these expansion projections, we will end up having an industry which is fraught with unacceptable levels of catastrophic failure, which will impact every part of our lives. Data centres are at the core of everything we do from banking and telecommunications, to logistics, travel and education, without them we would struggle to function in today's technology driven world. At the heart of every DC operation, is a team of hopefully, well trained, and highly motivated staff, but the demand is growing for good people, and so must the investment in professional development.”
What should Enterprise Learning & Development Managers expect from DCPro?
''As with any business investment, Learning and Development managers are looking for a ROI, and for most in the Data Center industry this revolves around creating an environment where down time is reduced or better still, eliminated. Having staff properly trained and fully aware of the potential risks of bad design practices and poor operational procedures should help avert the risk of unscheduled downtime either for themselves or their clients. In addition they want to be assured that the people behind the training content and delivery are themselves experts in their field and proficient in their delivery skills. DCPro’s blended learning approach (a combination of classroom and online training), engages students with other people in similar situations and allows for networking opportunities which then encourages people to discuss their issues, and more importantly, their solutions to problems’’
About Greg Sherry
Greg has been working in the computer industry for over 33 years, starting as an apprentice QA engineer with ICL in 1976. He then moved into field service with Data Point, Case and then NBI where he was the UK service Manager. He spent a short time in Technical Recruitment before starting his first cable installation company in 1985.
He has been involved in many different aspects of the industry over the years and has been responsible for the running of companies developing PC based software packages, network product sales and cable infrastructure design and installation. In recent years Greg has focused on design and build or refurbishment of Data Centres and Computer Rooms for clients throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Europe. The design and build projects cover all aspects of the data centre including architectural, electrical, mechanical and technology. Two of Greg's recent projects have been put forward for National awards recognition.