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Data Center World 2025

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A National Apprenticeship Program: Supporting the Next Generation of Data Center Technicians

Josh Labrie  (Director NOVA SySTEMic, NOVA)

Jack Bidlack  (IET Director of Strategic Initiatives, NOVA)

Robert Weinman  (Director of Workforce Innovation, National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement)

Location: Room 207B

Date: Thursday, April 17

Time: 10:10 am - 11:00 am

Pass Type: AFCOM Solution Provider, All Access Conference, Industry Conference, Standard Conference - Get your pass now!

Track: Data Center BUILD

Session Type: Conference Session

Vault Recording: TBD

The data center industry is facing a pressing demand for skilled workers, yet talent pipelines remain constrained by a lack of structured training pathways. In response to this need, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has worked with regional industry partners – especially STACK Infrastructure - to develop coursework, degree programs, and work-based learning opportunities to improve awareness and availability of data center careers. This session will explore the development of a new national registered apprenticeship and a Virginia regional pre-apprenticeship for data center technicians. Apprenticeships can provide an on-ramp for entry-level talent and provide a structured, hands-on approach to developing the next generation of data center technicians.

Attendees will gain insights into the key components of a registered apprenticeship, including curriculum development, industry partnerships, funding opportunities, and regulatory considerations. Representatives from NOVA and STACK will share best practices for co-designing and implementing workforce development programs that are responsive to evolving industry needs. The session will also highlight emerging success stories of apprenticeship initiatives that have improved talent retention and strengthened collaboration between education and industry stakeholders.

Takeaway

  • Learn about new initiatives to improve workforce development pathways into the data center industry.
  • Discover how registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships can help expand industry-education collaboration and help entry-level recruitment efforts.
  • Hear initial results from public-private workforce development initiatives in the Northern Virginia region.