IT Sligo has launched the first ever degree programme in data centre facilities engineering, aimed at servicing Europe’s growing and highly specialised data centre sector with skilled graduates.
The introduction of the Bachelor’s Degree – BEng. in Data Centre Facilities Engineering (Online) – will be the first of its kind in Europe.
‘Watching Online’ Staff from Haute École Louvain en Hainaut (HELHa) in Belgium link into Friday’s launch of the new online progamme in Data Centre Facilities Engineering.(L-R) Denis Browne (Europe Lead, Google Data Centres), Dr Brendan McCormack (President IT Sligo) & Conor Lawlor (Online Lecturer, IT Sligo).
It was developed following 18 months of consultation and planning with data centre industry partners such as Google who provided expert input and validation of the programme’s technical subject matter.
The input by the industry into the design and development of the programme ensured a balance between the more theoretical modules and the kind of real-world knowledge and practical skills that are needed in today’s workplace.
Úna Parsons (Head of School of Engineering & Design at IT Sligo) & Denis Browne (Europe Lead, Google Data Centres) at the launch of the Institute’s new online degree programme in Data Centre Facilities Engineering, at IT Sligo.
IT Sligo is a leader in the development and delivery of online educational programmes and the Data Centre facilities engineering programme marks a continuation of that pioneering work.
Recognising the need for highly specialised skills in the sector, IT Sligo developed the programme in close partnership with the main Data Centre providers including Google and Microsoft. Sligo-based engineering and technical services provider LotusWorks also contributed expertise.
The programme has been structured in order to serve the entire pan-European Data Centre services community. It was launched at at IT Sligo on Friday at an event attended by special guests including representatives from industry.
All lectures will be delivered through the online medium while the practical laboratory sessions will take place both at IT Sligo and at partner college Haute École Louvain en Hainaut (HELHa) in Mons, Belgium.
Data is the lifeblood of all modern industries and enterprises and Data Centres are the engine room of this endless data flow. Keeping Data Centres online at all times is essential; the operational efficiency of these facilities require technical staff who have the skills and ability to operate and maintain the centres to a very high standard.
Commenting on the programme, Úna Parsons, Head of School of Engineering and Design at IT Sligo said: “This bespoke new online facilities engineering programme is designed to upskill technical staff to an extremely high standard and in the process, ensure that a pipeline of technical talent is available that meet the growing needs of Data Centres which underpin global economic activity.”
Denis Browne, EU Regional Data Centre lead, Google, said: “Google is proud to support IT Sligo’s pioneering new engineering degree in Data Centre facilities engineering and management. Google’s data centres are some of the best in the world, and we look for the best talent to work with us. Thanks to IT Sligo and HELha, this online course will increase the skills of people already working in the sector, and for those who wish to work in the industry going forward.”
Dr. Brendan McCormack, President of IT Sligo, said: “This is a tremendously exciting development for IT Sligo. As we will be delivering this across the EU, it is a further illustration of the adaptability and range of IT Sligo’s digital education platform in meeting the upskilling needs of the workforce. We are proud to be helping the data centres to address a specific skill need which several of the world’s leading tech companies recognise and value.”
For programme details, click here.