Digital Infrastructure Industry

Digital infrastructure serves as the essential foundation of our modern world, encompassing everything from data centres and cloud computing to broadband networks and cybersecurity systems. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the industry, shedding light on why embarking on a career in this dynamic and cutting-edge sector holds tremendous promise for Service leavers. Beyond financial rewards, it opens doors to engaging and fulfilling professional pathways.

Digital infrastructure defined

The digital infrastructure industry encompasses a range of components including data centres, cloud computing, network cable infrastructure, and cybersecurity, serving as the cornerstone of global digital activity and connectivity. Data centre’s are purpose-built facilities that house servers and critical IT equipment, and network cable infrastructure establishes connections from data centre’s to end-user locations. Visualize the data centre as the brain, storing crucial applications and data, with the network infrastructure acting as the neurons, transmitting messages between the brain (data center) and the muscles (end users).

In the realm of businesses, data centres form the bedrock of day-to-day operations, incorporating servers, storage, networking systems, and infrastructure. For individuals, these facilities enable essential services such as accessing money from ATMs, internet searches, messaging, streaming films, and file and music access. Despite our growing reliance on digital infrastructure, the industry has historically faced challenges with transparency due to inherent security risks associated with data. However, with increasing regulations and growing public awareness, there is now a greater emphasis on open communication about data practices. This change is gradually unveiling the myriad of career opportunities within the industry.

This secrecy has historically obscured the array of career opportunities within the industry. However, as digital infrastructure becomes increasingly recognized as a critical sector, more professionals are intentionally pursuing careers in data management, cybersecurity, and network administration. For those leaving the armed forces, a career in digital infrastructure presents an exciting prospect, leveraging skills developed in the military for these roles. Certification in relevant areas can enhance one's qualifications and facilitate a successful transition into this critical and expanding field.

The war for digital talent

In the relentless pursuit of staying ahead, the digital landscape undergoes continuous technological advancements within the diverse environments of data centres. These environments span crucial aspects like power, cooling, IT infrastructure, and space management, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry. The surge in demand for skilled personnel, both technical and managerial, has become paramount in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of a data centre’s capabilities to meet specific business demands. Beyond technical roles, data centre operators also seek individuals for day-to-day operational and business functions, including accounts, human resources, and marketing.

Simply put, there is a substantial demand for individuals to contribute across various aspects of data centre facilities. Data centre operators are actively seeking talent, recognizing the appeal of individuals with both industry-specific qualifications and transferable skills. Service leavers, known for their self-discipline, reliability, and quick learning ability, are particularly in high demand as data centre operators entice them with attractive offers.

In recent years, the challenges of rapidly evolving technology have intensified, with a growing focus on providing services in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner. This shift towards reducing carbon emissions necessitates an enhanced technical and managerial support structure that prioritizes green technologies.

Supporting the IT infrastructure, data centers require robust redundant backup power supply systems, cooling mechanisms, networking connections, and environmental control measures. Continuous 24/7/365 mission-critical capability mandates the correct deployment of planning, management, and maintenance systems, emphasizing the importance of redundancy to ensure reliability and uninterrupted service.

For individuals leaving the armed forces, this scenario offers a unique opportunity to apply their well-honed skills and attributes in an industry actively seeking professionals with a strong foundation in discipline, reliability, and adaptability. As the demand for digital talent continues, the digital infrastructure sector stands out as a promising field for those considering a career transition, offering diverse challenges and opportunities for innovation.

The dynamics of a data centre

A data centre operates within a complex ecosystem, where critical environments and operational systems seamlessly interact to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of business services.

Power:The focus on power distribution and management now emphasizes sustainability, incorporating renewable energy sources alongside the electrical grid, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), and standby generators. Continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent power failures and unexpected downtime, helping to avoid significant costs.

Cooling: The efficiency of the cooling infrastructure is crucial, requiring meticulous planning and management strategies. Environmental monitoring and control play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functionality of the data centre.

IT and Networking: The realm of IT and networking involves sophisticated hardware for data transmission and storage, including routers, servers, switches, and advanced storage solutions. As demands for larger and faster bandwidth capabilities grow, network infrastructure must adapt to support increasingly complex distribution systems and ensure robust performance.

Data Communications Cabling: Often overlooked, network cable media forms the backbone of the data centre. A well-planned and balanced network cable infrastructure, especially fiber-optic cabling, is essential for optimal hardware performance. As the network expands and bandwidth demands increase, the cable infrastructure must evolve to support higher data rates.

Building Facilities: With high-density equipment and increased demands on power and cooling, facilities management becomes integral to IT planning and installation processes.

IT and Physical Security: Modern data centre’s integrate IT security with robust physical security measures to protect information and systems from unauthorized access, use, disruption, modification, or destruction. As critical assets, data centre’s must prioritize comprehensive security strategies to guard against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Outages: Downtime, referred to as an outage, can result from various factors such as fire, flood, power issues, software upgrade errors, or networking problems. The 2022 Uptime Institute Global Data Centre Survey emphasized that over two-thirds of outages cost more than $100,000. Outages, or downtime, can result from various factors such as fire, flood, power issues, software upgrade errors, or networking problems. While the Uptime Institute's past surveys highlighted the significant costs and prevalence of outages, ongoing improvements in technology and management practices continue to reduce their frequency and impact. Nevertheless, human error remains a significant cause, underscoring the importance of employing well-trained personnel.

For individuals leaving the armed forces, these dynamics present a challenging yet rewarding environment, where skills such as discipline, attention to detail, and quick decision-making can be effectively applied to ensure the smooth operation of a data centre.

What roles are available?

Diverse job roles abound across various data centre environments, offering a range of opportunities for individuals with varying skill sets. These include:

Network Cable Installer (Copper and Fibre-Optic): Installs and maintains network cables crucial for data transmission within the data centre.

IT/Network/Software/Storage Engineer: Manages and maintains the hardware and software components, ensuring smooth data processing and storage capabilities.

Data Centre Technician: Handles the day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance of data centre equipment.

Infrastructure Engineer: Focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining the core infrastructure of the data centre.

HVAC Engineer: Manages heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to maintain optimal environmental conditions.

Data Centre Designer: Plans and designs the layout and structure of data centre facilities.

Network Architect Designer: Designs the network architecture to ensure efficient data transmission and connectivity.

Data Centre Analyst: Analyses data centre performance, identifies areas for improvement, and implements solutions.

IT/Network/Software/Storage Manager: Manages and maintains the integrated hardware and software components, ensuring efficient data processing, storage capabilities, and network functionality.

Data Centre Manager: Holds a leadership role, overseeing overall data centre operations, efficiency, and strategic planning.

Facilities Manager: Manages the physical facilities, ensuring they support the technical needs of the data centre.

Operations Manager: Coordinates and optimizes day-to-day operations for seamless functionality.

Research and Development Manager: Focuses on innovation and improvement of data centre technologies and processes.

IT Security Manager:Ensures the comprehensive security and integrity of data and infrastructure within the data centre, coordinating both cybersecurity measures and physical security operations.

Project Manager: Takes charge of planning, executing, and closing projects within the data centre.

Electrical Engineer (Distribution Systems and Plant): Manages and maintains electrical distribution systems and plant infrastructure, with an emphasis on integrating sustainable energy solutions and optimizing energy efficiency.

Physical Security Staff (and Manager): Handles security measures and personnel to safeguard the data centre.

In addition to these technical roles, data centre operators require personnel for essential business functions such as accounts, human resources, and marketing, ensuring the smooth overall functioning of the data centre. These roles collectively offer a diverse spectrum of career paths within the dynamic and critical field of digital infrastructure.

What can I expect to earn?

Average salaries across the data centre will vary. The following examples are provided by IT Jobs Watch:

• infrastructure engineer – £50,500
• network engineer – £53,250
• storage engineer – £52,170
• data analyst – £50,000
• network manager – £62,500
• infrastructure manager – £65,000
• operations manager – £65,000
• technical leader – £80,000
• senior project manager – £68,000
• programme manager – £77,500

Skills Transition from Armed Forces to Data Centre Sector

Many Armed Forces personnel possess a valuable skill set that aligns with the requirements of the data centre sector, covering key environments, including:

Electrical (Power Distribution, Generators, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies): Armed Forces training often includes expertise in electrical systems, a skill crucial for managing power infrastructure within data centres.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: While military personnel may have experience with HVAC systems, data centres use specialized systems that require further training to manage environmental conditions effectively.

IT and Network Systems: Armed Forces personnel often acquire foundational IT and networking skills. For data centre roles, additional training in specific data centre technologies and network management practices is typically required.

Data Communications Cabling: Military training may provide a basic understanding of data communications cabling. However, data centre’s often utilize advanced fiber-optic cabling, requiring additional training or certification.

Project Management: Armed Forces personnel frequently undergo project management training, preparing them for overseeing and executing complex projects within the data centre sector.

The theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained during service in the Armed Forces provide a valuable platform for transitioning into the data center environment. These skills, coupled with targeted certifications and further training, position individuals to excel in various roles within the dynamic and critical field of digital infrastructure.

What skills do I need?

Crucial for success in any role within the data centre industry is the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, key skills sought in professionals include:

Team Player: The ability to collaborate and work seamlessly within a team environment is essential for success in the data centre industry.

Communication Skills (Oral and Written): Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital for effective coordination and information sharing within data centre teams.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: The capability to analyse and resolve operational incidents is a critical skill, ensuring smooth and efficient data centre operations.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website Also, visit the CNet website to see its list of ELC-approved programmes.

The digital infrastructure industry needs you!

Both the data centre and network infrastructure sectors continue to face challenges in recruiting personnel with the necessary skill sets and experience; industry surveys consistently support this theme. Recent findings reveal ongoing concerns in the areas of performance, resiliency, efficiency, sustainability, staffing, and innovative technologies. The survey indicates that a significant number of data center operators continue to have difficulty finding suitably qualified candidates for open jobs, highlighting an ongoing skills shortage in the industry.

The survey found that investment in employee education and training reduces the number of data centre outages. Uptime reports that, ‘With more than two-thirds of all outages costing more than $100,000, the business case for investing more in resiliency – and training – is becoming ever stronger. As organisations make this investment, the overall number of outages can be expected to fall.’

Join the Digital Infrastructure Industry - Your Skills Needed!

The digital infrastructure industry, encompassing both data centers and network infrastructure, continues to face a critical shortage of personnel with the requisite skill sets and experience. Industry surveys consistently highlight this challenge, pointing to ongoing difficulties in recruitment and the growing need for skilled professionals.

Difficulty in Recruitment: Many data centre operators report ongoing challenges in finding suitably qualified candidates for open positions, indicating a persistent skills shortage in the industry.

Impact of Employee Education and Training: The survey highlights that investment in employee education and training correlates with a reduction in data centre outages. As over two-thirds of all outages incur costs exceeding $100,000, the business case for increased investment in resiliency and training becomes more compelling. Such investments are anticipated to contribute to a decrease in overall outage occurrences.

Preventability of Data Centre Outages: A significant number of operators believe that many data centre outages are preventable, emphasizing the importance of robust management, planning, and training in minimising these incidents.

To delve deeper into this issue and understand the importance of properly trained and qualified personnel in efficient data centre operations, explore CNet's dedicated article on the topic: [Properly trained and qualified personnel are essential to efficient data centre operation](insert link here).

Your skills and expertise are urgently needed in this rapidly evolving industry. Consider being part of the solution to address the skills gap and contribute to the success of the digital infrastructure sector.

Transfer Your Skills to the Data Centre Sector with CNet Training

A career in the data centre sector is an excellent fit for individuals from diverse trades and management roles, particularly those with expertise in network cabling (copper and fibre). Service personnel transitioning to the civilian market often bring essential power, HVAC, IT, and cabling skills, addressing the industry's current shortfall.

Service members, through resettlement opportunities, can further their education and enhance existing skills, seamlessly transitioning into the data centre sector. CNet Training, a global leader in data centre and network infrastructure technical education, offers a variety of programs to support individuals entering the industry. The baseline resettlement program, starting with the Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) certification, provides a comprehensive introduction to network cabling, covering both copper and fibre-optic installation. Successful completion demonstrates high competency in network cable infrastructure, opening doors to job opportunities in the sector.

CNet Training's programs, part of the Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework, cater to all skill levels. From entry-level qualifications to a master’s degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management at level 7, individuals can choose programs that align with their career aspirations. Recognized for excellence, CNet Training collaborates with major multinational organizations and has received numerous industry awards for its educational programs.

Embark on a dynamic new challenge in the data centre sector with CNet Training. Learn more about their education programs [here].

Find out more

Visit this page for further details of the programmes available that can help you enter and progress within the digital infrastructure industry, and click here to read our feature about current skills shortages in the data centre industry.

Grateful thanks to CNet Training for their assistance in the preparation of this feature.