UTC Heathrow has established a partnership with Vertiv to develop a co-teaching programme of learning based on the data centre sector.

The Digital Futures Programme, which was developed in collaboration with leading industry organisations, will see Vertiv engineers and UTC staff working alongside each other to teach students the skills needed to work in technical careers.

The programme, now in its second year, will contribute to a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / Extended Diplomas in Engineering (NQF).

Vertiv Vice President of Services EMEA, Michael O’Keeffe, said, “Without a doubt, the skills gap is still as wide as ever. For us at Vertiv, and others in the industry, technical knowledge is a competitive advantage. Technically skilled professionals with a good understanding of data centre technology are critical, but also hard to find. Young people, especially women and those with diverse backgrounds, are under-represented in this field. By joining UTC Heathrow on this important programme, we are working to develop the skills needed to join the industry.”

Candace Rose Kumi, Employer Engagement Lead at UTC Heathrow, added, “We have been delighted with how the Digital Futures Programme is evolving. Having a global critical digital infrastructure provider join the team of leading industry organisations adds a new dimension. With its global presence and track record of innovative products and services, Vertiv brings a great deal of strength and depth to what we can offer students. We are very excited at the prospect of how Vertiv’s involvement will develop the programme even further.”

UTC Heathrow is a STEM school which teaches students aged 14 to 19.