Datacentre Academy

Datacentres are the engine rooms of Australia’s digital economy, supporting our everyday digital lives and enabling innovation, jobs, essential services and a wide range of industries.

With the growth of cloud computing and AI, Australia’s Datacentre workforce is set to double by 2030. Employers are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill these specialised roles.

Created in collaboration with Microsoft, the Datacentre Academy is a workforce development program designed to fill the critical skills shortage.

The Datacentre Academy focuses on two in-demand Datacentre roles, you can either gain an understanding of datacentre information technology fundamentals to operate the hardware or acquire the skills needed to safely maintain and manage critical environments.

The Datacentre Academy offers a comprehensive approach to training, with a simulated Datacentre lab at TAFE NSW Meadowbank to gain hands-on experience. Students will also receive mentoring by Microsoft and Industry guests plus receive career development and job readiness support.

Datacentre Technicians look after the technology in Datacentres. They handle hardware start-ups and shut-downs, perform basic troubleshooting and diagnostics, quality checks and changes, ensuring everything is safe, secure, and up to standard.

Through this course, you will develop an understanding of the Datacentre environment, standard processes and procedures for preparing, installing, performing diagnostics, troubleshooting, replacing, and/or decommissioning equipment plus familiarise yourself with security and data management procedures. Students also gain industry recognised certifications.

Critical Environment Technicians look after the environment in Datacentres. They maintain all the essential equipment that surrounds and powers Datacentres; things like heating, ventilation, water, air-conditioning, electrical supply and distribution.

Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, this course helps you prepare for a career as an entry-level Critical Environment Technician. You will gain hands-on understanding of how critical environment equipment works, perform various types of maintenance, responding to onsite incidents while coordinating with other critical facilities professionals, and monitoring equipment performance and operations.

Datacentre Technician course:

• TAFE Certificate of Participation in Datacentre Essentials
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Server+

Critical Environment Technician course:

• TAFE Certificate of Participation in Critical Environment Essentials
• Datacentre Foundation Certificate (DCFC) – globally accredited

The training will be delivered on site at the Meadowbank campus in our state of the art facility. These courses require a full time study commitment. The face to face hours will vary from week to week. Attendance on campus will vary from 3-5 days per week. Self directed study will also be required and learning and teaching resources will be made available in online learning platforms.

You must be an Australian Citizen to work in an Australian Datacentre and hence requirement of entry into this course.

For the Datacentre Technician Essentials course you must have networking knowledge and/or experience equivalent to the Diploma Information Technology qualification.

To enrol in the Critical Environment Technician course, it is recommended that you have a keen interest in Electrotechnology, IT infrastructure, or related fields. A basic understanding or prior experience in these areas will enhance your learning experience and ability to apply the course concepts effectively.

The 'Empowering Australia's Digital Future' report by Mandala is a fantastic resource to learn more about Datacentres here in Australia, opportunities to enhance skills development, planning processes and renewable energy growth.