Vertiv joins leading data center partners in the first training program, unique in the UK, at the University Technical College (UTC)
UTC Heathrow announces partnership with Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, will partner with UTC to deliver a joint learning program focused on the data center industry.
Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, the Digital Futures Program is a first for all UK schools. The programme, which contributes towards a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma or Higher Diploma in Engineering (NQF), enables students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to undertake a successful engineering profession in the data center sector.
Currently, the sector is booming but faces an ongoing skills shortage. The Digital Futures Programme, now in its second year, is helping to make this sector innovative and future-proof, inspiring and motivating new generations to take part and undertake brilliant professional development – this year, the first group of students have already taken up apprenticeship roles in the sector!
Furthermore, UTC Heathrow and Partners are thrilled to have achieved, for the second consecutive year, the Education and Employment Project Award at the prestigious Datacloud Global Awards in Munich. This recognition is in addition to the Best Talent Developer award awarded to the program during Data Center World in March.
Michael O’Keeffe, Vice President of Services EMEA di Vertiv, he commented, “Without a doubt, the skills gap is still too wide. For us at Vertiv and for others in the industry, technical knowledge represents a competitive advantage. Specialized professionals with a good understanding of data center technology are indispensable but also difficult to find. Young people, particularly women and those from heterogeneous backgrounds, are given little consideration in these areas. By collaborating with UTC Heathrow on this exciting project, we will help develop the skills needed to enter the sector.”
Candace Rose Kumi, Employer Engagement Lead di UTC Heathrow, he declared “We are very satisfied with the evolution of the Digital Futures Program. Participation in the team of a leading vendor in critical digital infrastructures of major industrial organizations adds further perspectives. With global distribution and an established portfolio of innovative products and services, Vertiv teams contribute substantially and deeply in providing added value to students. We are excited about the future development prospects possible thanks to Vertiv's involvement in the program.”
Numerous Vertiv engineers, with an educational background and comprehensive experience, will impart important knowledge to students in electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, networking and systems management.
- UTC Heathrow is a specialist science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational institution for students aged 14-19. Its Digital Futures Program has already received an international recognition, “Education and Employment Project Award 2022”, on the occasion of a prestigious data center event, which took place in Munich last year.
- For more information on the Digital Futures Program, see heathrow-utc.org/employers/digital-futures-programme
