The UK’s data centre boom is being hit by a lack of skilled workers.
Data centres, vital for cloud services from tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, are witnessing a surge in demand driven by the rise of AI and cloud computing.
According to real estate firm Savills, total data center floorspace in Europe has increased from six million sq ft in 2015 to over 10 million sq ft in 2023. London’s data center market is particularly booming, with a significant increase in demand predicted for 2025.
The Labor Shortage Crisis
Despite the growing need for data centres, the industry faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled workers.
A BBC investigation found Labour-intensive tasks like electrical and cabling installations require highly specialized teams, which are increasingly hard to come by.
The investigators spoke to Billy Keeper, an electrical supervisor at Datalec Precision Installations. He said overseeing a team and managing electrical installations at data centers is a demanding task.
The shortage of skilled construction workers adds to the pressure.
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Why Data Centers Require Specialized Labor
Building a data center involves more than just traditional construction skills.
Matt Perrier-Flint, Datalec’s operations director, said the data center industry operates at a high level of precision, with highly engineered processes.
Every aspect of construction, from commissioning equipment like chiller units to final testing of the entire building, must follow strict procedures.
Operators face tight deadlines while avoiding disruption to businesses, particularly during key periods such as the holiday season.
High Rewards, High Demands
The specialized nature of the work brings rewards, with experienced electrical installers commanding six-figure salaries.
However, companies like Datalec are constantly striving to maintain a steady pipeline of skilled labor to meet the growing demands.
The Future Outlook for the Industry
As AI continues to grow and cloud services expand, the need for more data centers will only increase.
The industry must find innovative solutions to address the labor shortage, possibly through improved training programs and attracting workers from adjacent sectors.
