The digital boom is fueling a surge in tech job demand, but a widening skills gap is creating a talent drought. This isn't just a problem we see in the data centre industry; attracting and retaining skilled professionals is a critical issue across the entire technology sector.
The UK's tech skills gap is a persistent hurdle for businesses, hindering industry growth. Proactive solutions are essential if we are to bridge this gap and unlock future potential.
Invest in future talent
Apprenticeships are the cornerstone for bridging the needs of young professionals by offering them unique opportunities to start their careers and gain vital industry experience and qualifications while in return, progressing these fresh talents to become the next industry leaders will help ensure the industry’s growth for generations to come.
At Pulsant, the journey began connecting with school leavers and graduates, who lack awareness of the data centre world, despite being interested in the relevant technology roles. Collaborating with local education establishments allows leaders to be able to tap into existing talent pools to be able to identify promising candidates.
Through this collaboration, we have recruited five apprentices in one cohort. The programme has placed the apprentices across our facilities in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Maidenhead, and here in Manchester. The new apprentices work alongside seasoned professionals, who will help guide them towards attaining those industry-recognised qualifications.
Mutually beneficial
The apprenticeship programme is not designed just to attract new talent, but also to allow companies to create a culture that’s inspired to learn and develop within their organisations.
The programme delivers real value to their internal team, giving them the opportunity to harness new skill sets through coaching, mentoring, and leadership.
The programme also presents opportunities to others internally, to progress to supervisory roles and hone their mentoring abilities.
In creating the programme, it was equally important to ensure the appropriate tools and support are available internally as well . Because realistically, anyone internally, that jumps from a technical role to a leadership role is going to promote the need for the right training and support to allow them to manage, mentor, and formally appraise the new apprentices to meet their on-the-job qualifications standards, which is just as important as the recruitment process itself.
Creating a self-perpetuating learning cycle
In return, new apprentices, through their development, will offer companies unique generational viewpoints on the modern workplace, which is vital for us all to embrace because the new apprentices are likely to become the representatives for future clients.
Thus, listening and incorporating fresh ideas, ensures evolution for years to come for businesses, as demands become everchanging. The apprentices can also nurture the next generation, some of the industry's leaders started off as apprentices themselves and all display a “pay it forward” mindset.
The future is strong
This journey has allowed Pulsant to be confident for the future, as we believe apprenticeships are crucial for a strong talent pipeline.
They can foster a culture of learning and development, and increase people's engagement, job satisfaction, and loyalty.
What’s more, it provides a platform that ensures its talent pool remains skilled and adaptable, enabling it to respond effectively to ever-changing business needs and competition.
I encourage other organisations within the data centre space to embrace this opportunity because they’ll not only address their immediate talent needs, but also lay the foundation for future growth and success.
The industry as a whole can build a more resilient workforce that will drive innovation and accelerate the data centre industry forward.
Mary Pender
Director of Talent
Pulsant
