National Data Centre Day Targets Digital Skills Pipeline

National Data Centre Day is returning on 12 September 2026 with a renewed focus on education, as the initiative launches its #BackToSchool campaign to address skills shortages across the UK’s data centre sector.

The awareness day is designed to highlight the role of data centres in supporting the digital economy and AI ambitions, while encouraging industry engagement with schools and communities.

Now in its second year, the campaign is shifting attention towards early education and long-term workforce development.

By placing data centres on the curriculum, the initiative aims to improve understanding of digital infrastructure and create clearer pathways into technical careers.

Education and industry engagement

The #BackToSchool theme responds to three ongoing challenges within the data centre sector – limited public awareness, gaps in education and a growing skills shortage.

The campaign encourages operators developers and technology providers to work directly with schools, offering students insight into how digital infrastructure operates.

Suggested activities include hosting site visits, delivering classroom sessions and providing practical learning opportunities.

These initiatives are designed to introduce students at both primary and secondary levels to the systems that support cloud computing data storage and AI services.

The campaign also calls on educators across public and private sectors to integrate data centre topics into teaching programmes.

By embedding these subjects into education earlier, the industry aims to build a stronger pipeline of future talent.

Rory Flashman-Wells, Co-Founder of National Data Centre Day and Managing Director at Spa Communications, outlines the campaign’s objective.

“This year’s National Data Centre Day is about turning talk into action,” he says.

“The Back to School campaign takes the conversation back to where education and understanding about technology takes place – the classroom.

“By starting education at an earlier stage, we have an important opportunity to change the narrative of how data centres are understood and help a new generation recognise the technology that powers data in their lives.”

Building a future workforce

The campaign is supported by a group of industry organisations including AVK, AtlasEdge, CUDO Compute, EfficiencyIT, Kao Data and Schneider Electric.

These companies are contributing to outreach efforts and workforce development initiatives.

Giuseppe Caltabiano, VP of Marketing at AVK, connects the campaign to industry responsibility.

“National Data Centre Day isn’t just about industry recognition, it’s about responsibility,” he says.

“On 12th September, we recommit to giving back by helping young people understand the vital role data centres play in everyday life, supporting education in classrooms and at home and showcasing how our industry is powering tomorrow's data.”

Duncan White, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at AtlasEdge, focuses on awareness and visibility.

“Data centres are the digital engine rooms of the UK’s future, and at AtlasEdge we’re proud to be part of this critical community,” he says.

“National Data Centre Day is a brilliant opportunity not only to celebrate the people behind this progress, but to inspire the next generation, shining a light on the infrastructure and innovation shaping Britain’s digital ambitions.”

Vince Howard, CMO at CUDO Compute, links the initiative to workforce demand.

“With the digital infrastructure evolving and our industry racing to meet AI innovation, solving the UK’s technical and engineering skills shortages is vital," he says.

"As one of the country's fastest-growing AI infrastructure operators, we’re proud to be part of National Data Centre Day – turning talk into action."

Raising awareness of infrastructure

Other supporters emphasise the importance of education in building long-term sector resilience.

Nick Ewing, Managing Director at EfficiencyIT, says: “At EfficiencyIT, we’re proud to support NDCD, not only highlighting the essential role our industry plays in enabling everything from AI innovation to the digital services, but helping to build greater understanding among the next generation.”

Khristina Atwal, Strategic Communications Manager, Secure Power Europe at Schneider Electric, adds: “From powering AI to supporting healthcare, data centres are the backbone of our digital world.

"At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to support this campaign, celebrating the people driving innovation while helping to inspire and educate and build a more sustainable, connected future together.”

Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, points to structured programmes already in place.

She says: “National Data Centre Day is a vital reminder of the crucial role data centres play in supporting the UK’s digital economy.

“Through initiatives like Critical Careers, the Kao Academy and NDCD, we’re committed to inspiring more young people and diverse talent to explore opportunities in the sector, ensuring the next generation can help shape the UK’s digital future.”

Through coordinated industry involvement, the campaign focuses on improving understanding of data centres and creating clearer entry points into the sector for future professionals.