4D Data Centres will be sponsoring the STEM enrichment ‘I’m an Engineer’ scheme as a means of addressing the IT skills shortage.

‘I’m an Engineer’ is student-led online engagement activity which connects school students with UK network engineers via real-time online chats.

The scheme aims to help children relate to engineers and scientists, as well as explaining data centres and demonstrating the variety of career choices that are available in the sector.

Throughout November, a variety of engineers from different fields will be available to answer questions posed by students about working in engineering. November will focus on web and data engineering, with professionals from the sector being encouraged to take part to showcase potential career options.  

“Shortages in our industry will take at least 10 years to address if we do it by ourselves,” commented David Barker, founder and Chief Technology Officer of 4D Data Centres. “We are struggling to find network engineers and others with knowledge of high-voltage electronics. If it continues like this ,we could struggle to maintain services. It’s unsustainable.

“That’s why schemes like this are so important to both the present and future of the industry. We need to get the sector to a good place and get the attention of upcoming talent, educating them on the opportunities the data centre industry offers and encouraging them to come on board. If the options aren’t made clear and early enough, roles are only going to get harder to fill.”