Kao Data has joined University Technical College (UTC) Heathrow’s Digital Futures Programme to support the development of the next generation of data centre engineers.

Kao will help educate students between 14 to 19, offering technical expertise in data centre design, engineering, and operations. This will include the impact of technologies such as high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) on data centre design, and how both computer-aided design (CAD) software and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) influence energy efficiency.

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) deliver an advanced technical education, aiding students in pursuing STEM careers. UTC Heathrow offers a dedicated data centre engineering curriculum, with the aim of meeting the growing sector skills gap.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kao Data as our latest supporter. Their reputation for working with cutting-edge, high performance computing organisations will add considerable value to the Digital Future Programme,” said Mike Halliday, Head of Employer Engagement, for the Activate Learning Education Trust.

“Kao Data’s enthusiasm and their standing within the industry make them a very worthy addition to our founding partners from the hyperscale and data centre communities.”

Mike Tamblingson, Operations Director, Kao Data, added, “Kao Data is proud to support UTC Heathrow’s trailblazing Digital Futures Programme.

“We believe that programmes such as this will prove vital in the UK’s efforts to retain its position as a leader in tech, and we are excited to help its students take that all-important ‘first step’ into the data centre industry.”