Executive Summary

• National Data Centre Day (NDCD) partners with STEM Learning’s STEM Ambassadors Programme to give data centre professionals a direct route into schools
• The launch aims to tackle the sector’s skills shortage by putting professionals directly in front of the next generation; aged eight to 16
• Data centre professionals interested in becoming STEM Ambassadors can join a dedicated online session on 29 September at 2pm to learn more.

 

National Data Centre Day (NDCD), the UK awareness initiative dedicated to recognising the critical role data centres play in powering the UK’s digital economy, has partnered with AVK and STEM Learning to launch the Data Centre STEM Ambassadors Programme. 

The programme gives data centre professionals a structured route into schools through STEM Learning’s existing STEM Ambassadors initiative, which already connects more than 30,000 volunteers with classrooms across the UK. 

Under the partnership, NDCD will encourage and support professionals from across the data centre industry to register as STEM Ambassadors, with a dedicated data centre cohort helping teachers bring digital infrastructure into lessons on subjects from computing to geography and design technology. 

Ambassadors will support initiatives including career talks, classroom sessions and mentoring, helping students aged 8 to 16 connect the technology they use every day with the infrastructure and people behind it.

The partnership announcement also builds directly on NDCD26’s #BackToSchool theme, calling on the industry to place data centres on the curriculum and bring real understanding into classrooms and homes across the UK. 

‘Challenging the Industry’

“This year, National Data Centre Day is challenging the industry to think about how it inspires the generation that will play a vital part in its future. We believe one of the most powerful ways we can do that is by getting out from behind our screens and into classrooms, giving young people the chance to meet the people behind the digital world they use every day.

“Our partnership with STEM Learning turns that ambition into something tangible, giving the industry a real opportunity to make a difference,” said Eloise Shenton, Co-Founder, National Data Centre Day, and Social Media Manager at Spa Communications.

‘Inspire the Next Generation’

Commenting on the partnership, Severine Trouillet, Chief Executive, STEM Learning, said, “The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI, is the largest STEM engagement volunteer programme in the UK, supporting young people aged five to 19.

“Meeting role models who showcase the professionals, technology and skills behind data centres is invaluable for young people and their future career opportunities. These interactions improve pupils and students’ understanding, while helping them to see a career in data centres and associated technology as a viable, exciting and achievable option.

“STEM Ambassadors also help teachers bring STEM careers to life, including those in the tech sector, and facilitate an invaluable link between schools and industry. Together we can inspire the next generation to see themselves as part of the technology that will shape our future.”

‘Look Beyond Recruitment’

Sarah King, Head of Sustainability and Responsible Business, AVK, added, “As an industry, data centres talk a lot about the future skills it needs, but it also needs to create meaningful connections with the young people who will shape that future.

“Through my work in sustainability and responsible business, I’ve seen first-hand that tackling skills shortages requires industries to look beyond recruitment and build stronger connections with schools and communities.

“National Data Centre Day and STEM Learning bridges that gap, and we’re proud to help bring businesses, educators and communities together to inspire young people and build the skills we need for the future.”

‘Pathways for Future Jobs’

“Educating and engaging the next-generation of digital and engineering professionals is fundamental to the future of the data centre industry. I truly believe that bringing the role of technology into the classroom is one of the most important ways to address that.

“By partnering with STEM Learning, we’re helping data centre and AI infrastructure businesses meet the challenge head on, creating pathways for future jobs and doing more for the communities they operate in,” said Rory Flashman-Wells, Co-Founder, National Data Centre Day, and Managing Director at Spa Communications.

Be a STEM Ambassador

Data centre operators, developers, technology providers and professionals from across the industry are invited to join a dedicated online session on 29 September at 2pm to learn more about the Data Centre STEM Ambassadors Programme and how to get involved.

The session will explain what becoming a STEM Ambassador involves, how professionals can support schools and young people, and give attendees the opportunity to sign up to the programme. The STEM Ambassadors Programme is free to join.

To join the session or find out more, contact eshenton@spacomms.com.

To learn more about National Data Centre Day and this year’s #BackToSchool theme, visit nationaldatacentreday.com.