This booming sector continues to face a talent shortage. The Digital Futures Program, now in its second year, helps prepare the industry for the future by inspiring a new generation and demonstrating that it can be a rewarding career.

Furthermore, UTC Heathrow and Partners have won the Education and Employment Project Award at the prestigious Datacloud Global Awards in Monaco for the second year running. This follows the Best Talent Developer award the program received at Data Centre World in March.

Vertiv's Vice President of Services for EMEA, Michael O'Keeffe, commented: "Without a doubt, the skills gap remains as wide as ever. For Vertiv, and for others in the industry, technical expertise is a competitive advantage. It is critical to have technically skilled professionals with a deep understanding of data center technology, but this profile is very difficult to find. Young people, women, and certain groups are underrepresented in this field. By joining UTC Heathrow in this important program, we are working to develop the necessary skills to help attract talent to the industry.

Candace Rose Kumi, Head of Employer Engagement at UTC Heathrow, said: “We are delighted with the evolution of the Digital Futures program. Having a global provider of critical digital infrastructure join the team of industry-leading organizations adds a new dimension. With its global presence and track record of innovative products and services, Vertiv brings great strength and depth to what we can offer students. We are very excited about how Vertiv’s involvement will further develop the program.”

Several Vertiv engineers with training and extensive industry experience will teach students useful knowledge in electrical and mechanical engineering, IT, networking, and troubleshooting.

UTC Heathrow is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) school that educates students aged 14 to 19. Its Digital Futures program has already received international recognition, winning the "2022 Education and Employment Project Award" at a prestigious data center event held in Monaco last year.