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Data Center World 2025

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Future-Proof Data Center Talent and Overcome Workforce Gaps

Mara Ervin  (Owner, Mara Jade Consulting, LLC)

Daisy Saulls  (President, PATHIRED.ORG)

Bryan Darby  (Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure Executive, QTS)

Ryan Gruver  (IT Director, Banner Health)

Location: Room 202A

Date: Wednesday, April 16

Time: 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm

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 faces a growing challenge: a shortage of skilled labor and expertise critical to sustaining growth and innovation. This session explores actionable strategies to expand talent pipelines, bridge knowledge gaps, and optimize workforce retention to ensure long-term success. Attendees will learn how to recruit from non-traditional sources, leverage upskilling programs, and collaborate with educational institutions to develop a sustainable workforce.

As automation and AI continue reshaping job roles, businesses must balance technology-driven efficiencies with the human expertise required for mission-critical operations. Additionally, with an aging workforce, organizations must implement knowledge transfer strategies to retain institutional expertise while adapting to evolving career pathways.

We’ll also discuss the impact of remote work on data center operations and global talent strategies to remain competitive. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, this session will equip leaders with practical solutions to build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

Takeaway

Expanding Talent Pipelines: Recruiting from non-traditional sources and implementing upskilling programs to diversify and strengthen the workforce.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Leveraging community, state, and nonprofit programs and working with educational institutions to develop targeted training initiatives.

Retention as a Competitive Advantage: Strategies for knowledge transfer, cross-generational mentoring, and workforce aging adaptation.
Automation, AI & Workforce Optimization: Understanding the impact of AI and automation on workforce dynamics while ensuring ethical and strategic implementation.

The Remote Work Challenge: Navigating the operational, security, and productivity considerations of hybrid and remote work models in data centers.

Winning the Global Talent War: Learning from international best practices, policy-driven solutions, and private-sector initiatives to attract top-tier talent.