The data centre talent shortage is reaching a critical point. The industry is booming, but the workforce simply can’t keep up with demand. Operators are scrambling to fill roles, yet qualified professionals are in short supply — and it’s beginning to stall progress.

• 58% of operators report struggling to fill critical roles.
• 40% say retaining their core team is becoming harder.
• Every new data centre needs 25+ engineers, creating thousands of job openings every quarter.

Global Tech Giants Drive Data Centre Expansion

Tech giants are investing heavily in data centre expansion. AWS plans to put £8 billion into UK operations through 2028. This investment will add £14 billion to the UK’s GDP and create more than 14,000 full-time jobs.

The Data Centre of the Future Needs a Different Workforce

Modern facilities aren’t what they used to be. Engineers and architects must adapt to new challenges:

• Racks now require 40 kW to 130 kW of power – future sites will hit 250 kW per rack.
• Advanced liquid cooling is replacing traditional air systems.
• Fibre connectivity is expanding 10x per rack.

And it’s not just infrastructure. The rise of AI-powered automation is shifting what skills are needed. Cloud engineers, sustainability experts, and hybrid data centre specialists are in high demand.

The Talent Shortage Is Holding the Industry Back

Right now, the global data centre workforce is expected to grow from 2 million to 2.3 million by 2025, but finding skilled professionals is tougher than ever.

The data centre industry is expanding rapidly, but a shortage of skilled professionals is creating significant hurdles. Many operators are struggling to fill critical roles, and retaining experienced talent is becoming increasingly difficult.

With AI and cloud computing driving growth, infrastructure demands are evolving, and energy consumption is rising. As the workforce shifts, the need for specialists who can manage these technological advancements has never been more urgent.

So, Where Will the Next Wave of Talent Come From?

Forward-thinking companies are finding new ways to build their workforce:

• Tech giants are partnering with colleges. AWS’s Data Centre Technician programme is training students for real-world roles.
• Military veterans are stepping into IT roles.
• Cross-training from other industries. Engineers from electrical, mechanical, and sustainability backgrounds are pivoting into data centre careers.

The Industry Must Act Now

The UK can’t afford a skills gap in one of its fastest-growing industries.

Data centre operators need to:

✅ Invest in education partnerships to train the next generation.

✅ Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.

✅ Create clear career pathways to retain skilled professionals.

With AI, sustainability, and cloud computing shaping the future, data centres must evolve. Not just in technology, but in the way they recruit, train, and retain talent.

At CRG TEC, we specialise in helping data centre operators find, attract, and retain the talent they need to scale.

👉 Whether you’re looking for permanent hires or flexible contractor solutions, our network is built to deliver.

📞 Get in touch today and let’s talk about how we can support your growth.