Wanted: Skilled Labour

Stephen Whatling, chairman at BCS, discusses the latest BCS survey, which highlights the continuing skills shortage facing the UK data centre industry

The growth in demand for data centres worldwide has posed many challenges in recent years and this has now been expedited by the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a major uplift in demand
for data services since March, the need for a resilient data infrastructure has never been greater.

However, this year BCS’ independent survey shows an increase in concern about the availability of design and build staff with an 11% rise, to 75%, of respondents believing there is an inadequate supply of skilled labour. The same survey shows that 90% of those involved in the design and construction of data centres believe there is a dearth of both design and build personnel.

For the second survey running, greater industry engagement with educators is ranked as the top factor to address this identified skills shortage. This is particularly important given the tremendous competition for suitably qualified STEM staff from a wave of different technology sectors across the wider economy. Early engagement with the industry at the educational level is needed to encourage the next generation of potential data centre professionals through providing clear routes to jobs and career advancement in many of the competing industries.

Apprenticeships

Better on-the-job training and improved or greater incentives for apprenticeships also ranked highly in the survey as respondents acknowledged the positive impact that the education sector and businesses working in partnership can have in developing home-grown resources.

At BCS we believe that the expansion of apprenticeship places is vital to the success of the generation of UK-based skills. This year we had over 200 applicants for the apprentice and graduate scheme we operate in partnership with London Southbank University, which provides funded places and, alongside studies, enables the apprentices to access every aspect of the BCS business.

From this year’s intake, Imogen Paton is enrolled on a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship at London Southbank University and will be sharing her time between studying there and getting some great practical experience with BCS over the next five years. Imogen said: ‘I am really looking forward to this opportunity to grow and work with both a great company and great university and can’t wait to get started!’

Many businesses might think that taking on an apprentice during the current pandemic will not bear fruit but that is not necessarily the case. Yes, it can be harder and will require a little more care and attention but the right candidates will learn some invaluable skills during these strange times.

Ben Chappell, a BCS apprentice consultant from London Southbank University says he will ‘take a new sense of confidence in working independently back to the office when the lockdown is over.’ ‘We now know that a significant amount of work can be done remotely if the circumstances require it. However, I am also very much aware of the importance of social interaction for both the office teams and client relations and I’m looking forward to getting back on site,’ he said.

Growing demand

Meeting the demands for greater capacity was an issue before Covid-19 with 74% seeing higher labour costs, 55% using increased outsourcing and almost 50% seeing delays due to the
shortage of available skills. It is likely these numbers will be even higher next year. We should also take note of the likely impact of Brexit and any future immigration policy. It is vital that any future policy recognises the importance of the data centre industry in the UK and supports it with favourable access for the skilled workers that will be needed in order to meet the existing demand.

In conclusion, the demand for UK based data centres currently outstrips supply. Smart working and automated processes, a focus on education alongside investment and support from the Government, is required to ensure the UK capitalises on this opportunity.