Can UK Data Centre Skills Gap be Fixed at Primary School?

Kao Data, the developer and operator of data centres for AI and advanced computing, is relaunching its Kao Academy. The online learning initiative is designed to inspire UK primary school children towards careers in the data centre sector and to address the growing skills shortage across the industry.

The Kao Academy now provides curriculum-based lesson plans for Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (age nine to 11). These lessons explain the role of data centres, how they support everyday life and the career paths they can open. The resources also include games, puzzles and a Data Super Hero competition focused on schools near Kao Data’s sites in Harlow, Slough and Stockport.

Tackling the skills shortage

The relaunch comes as the data centre industry faces a widening talent gap. The Uptime Institute forecasts global staffing demand will reach 2.3 million roles, while UK operators already report difficulties in filling engineering, operations and IT infrastructure positions. Without early engagement, the gap is set to increase by 2030.

By linking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to real-world applications, Kao Academy aims to make the data centre sector more accessible. Its Data Centre Superheroes theme highlights the relevance of data centres and introduces children to the variety of roles available, particularly encouraging underrepresented groups to see opportunities in technology.

Kao Data is also working with education experts and social impact agency Hark London to deliver in-school activity days in Slough. These sessions feature real-life data centre professionals teaching pupils about the industry and its importance.

Political support for early education

Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, says: “This new educational initiative from Kao Data is hugely welcomed in Harlow to help both teachers and children understand what data centres do and the range of high quality tech jobs that will be available in the future.

“By helping teachers deliver these vital lessons, we ensure the next generation is ready to thrive in tomorrow’s tech-driven world and give every child, no matter their background, the opportunity to imagine themselves in a data centre job role.

“Introducing primary school children to the technology sector from an early age is key to unlocking their potential and widening their career horizons.”

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, adds: “We must equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Initiatives like the Kao Academy play a vital role in this effort, introducing children to the world of data centres and the critical role technology plays in our lives.

“It is great that Kao Data is investing in the North West and investing in our children’s futures - the Kao Academy relaunch will help to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering.”

Building future talent for data centres

By encouraging curiosity and awareness about data centres at a young age, the long-term goal is to nurture related career aspirations and ambitions for UK pupils.

Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, says: “Our newly re-launched Kao Academy will help children connect STEM subjects to the data centre industry, sparking interest at a formative age and encouraging underrepresented groups to see a place for themselves in the tech industry, specifically the fast-moving data centre industry.

“The data centre industry has a critical talent shortage, so by engaging with primary school children in the areas in which we operate, we can inspire our young people to consider a rewarding STEM career path.

“For the UK to remain competitive in the growing AI and digital economy, it’s our collective responsibility to develop innovative and engaging initiatives that bridge education and industry early, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and ambition to step into roles in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.”

With the UK’s data centre sector underpinning AI and digital growth, Kao Academy provides a practical response to the workforce challenges facing the industry. By targeting pupils at a formative stage, the initiative strengthens the pipeline of future engineers, operators and IT specialists while promoting diversity and inclusion across the sector.