Question 1

What is the Datacentre Academy?

Accepted Answer

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

With the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, Australia’s datacentre workforce is expected to double by 2030. However, employers are already facing challenges in finding qualified candidates to fill these specialised roles.

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

The Academy focuses on two high-demand roles:

Datacentre Technicians, who manage and operate IT hardware.
Critical Environment Technicians, who maintain the infrastructure that powers and cools datacentres.

Training is delivered through a comprehensive, hands-on approach at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, featuring a simulated datacentre lab. Students also benefit from mentoring by Microsoft and industry experts, as well as career development and job readiness support.

Question 2

What is a Datacentre Technician?

Accepted Answer

Datacentre Technicians are responsible for managing the technology infrastructure within datacentres. Their duties include hardware start-ups and shut-downs, basic troubleshooting and diagnostics, performing quality checks and changes, and ensuring all systems are operating safely, securely, and to standard.

Through this course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the datacentre environment, including standard procedures for preparing, installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, replacing, and decommissioning equipment. You’ll also become familiar with security protocols and data management practices. In addition, students earn industry-recognised certifications.

Question 3

What is a Critical Environment Technician?

Accepted Answer

Critical Environment Technicians are responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that supports datacentres. They ensure the smooth operation of essential systems such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, water, electrical supply, and distribution.

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this course prepares you for a career as an entry-level Critical Environment Technician. You’ll gain hands-on experience with critical environment equipment, learn to perform routine maintenance, respond to onsite incidents, coordinate with other facilities professionals, and monitor equipment performance and operations.

Question 4

What certificates can I achieve through this program?

Accepted Answer

TAFE Statement in Datacentre Essentials Course:

TAFE Statement in Datacentre Essentials
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Server+

TAFE Statement in Introduction to Critical Environment Technician Course:

TAFE Statement in Introduction to Critical Environment Technician

Question 5

Is the training available online, and what is the study commitment?

Accepted Answer

The training is delivered on-site at the Meadowbank campus in our state-of-the-art facility and Datacentre Lab. These courses require a full-time study commitment, with three days of on-campus attendance each week.

In addition, self-directed study is required, with learning and teaching resources provided through online learning platforms. The total study commitment is approximately 20–24 hours per week.

Question 6

Are there any eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are specific eligibility requirements depending on the course:

General Requirement: To work in an Australian data centre—and therefore to enrol in these courses—you must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older. This is a mandatory requirement.
Datacentre Technician Essentials course: You must have networking knowledge and/or experience equivalent to at least a Certificate IV in Networking or Cyber Security.
Critical Environment Technician course: It is recommended that you have a strong interest in electrotechnology, IT infrastructure, or related fields. A basic understanding or prior experience in these areas will enhance your learning experience and help you apply course concepts effectively.

Question 7

Where can I find more information about Datacentres in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The Empowering Australia's Digital Future report by Mandala is an excellent resource for learning more about datacentres in Australia. It explores opportunities for skills development, planning processes, and the role of renewable energy in supporting the growth of the sector.

Datacentre Academy

TAFE Statement in Datacentre Essentials

TAFE Statement in Introduction to Critical Environment Technician

The benefits of this cutting-edge academy

Simulated Datacentre lab

Mentoring from Microsoft

Prepare for work

Frequently asked questions