By Alex Smith |
Microsoft and Victoria University (VU) have opened a data centre academy at VU’s Footscray Nicholson Campus, the first facility of its kind in the state of Victoria. The programme has capacity for 48 students and is supported by an industry-matched grant from the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
The initiative has been developed in response to increasing demand for data centre capacity in Victoria, driven by growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. As new facilities are developed and existing sites expand, demand is increasing for technicians with practical skills in areas including operations, safety, networking and critical environments.
The Microsoft Datacentre Academy at VU is designed to address skills gaps in roles such as critical environment technicians and data centre technicians. The programme includes hands-on training, mentoring from Microsoft and industry representatives, industry certifications and career readiness support.
Left to right: Microsoft’s Tianji Dickens and John Galligan join students, Minister Pearson and VU’s John Germov and John Burgess (Photo: Microsoft)
Two short courses are offered as part of the programme. The ‘Datacentre Essentials’ course is a 12-week entry-level programme based at the Footscray Nicholson Campus, aimed at participants with basic IT knowledge. It covers datacentre infrastructure, operations, safety and security, with training supported by a simulated data centre environment.
The ‘Critical Environment Technician’ course runs for 16 weeks and focuses on specialist skills required to monitor and maintain datacentre environments. Training includes access to a purpose-built simulator replicating a data hall environment, where students learn to install, configure and maintain servers, data storage systems and connectivity.
Both courses include interactive sessions with Microsoft staff, providing access to industry professionals and mentoring. The programmes are offered free of charge and include employment readiness components, as well as a Recruitment Day where students can engage with industry partners regarding potential job opportunities.
“We are proud to support the Microsoft Datacentre Academy at VU,” said Danny Pearson, minister for economic growth and jobs for the State of Victoria. “This programme is focused on shaping future workforce capabilities and addressing critical skills gaps. Through the AI Mission statement, we are paving the way for our state to become the nation’s capital of AI – and we’re making sure Victorians have the skills they need to do the jobs of the future.”
A student takes a virtual tour of a datacentre, assisted by a VR headset (Photo: Microsoft)
“As demand for data centre capacity grows, so does the need for technicians with the right hands-on skills,” said John Galligan, general manager of corporate and external affairs at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “The Datacentre Academy at VU is about opening doors and equipping Victorians with job-ready skills and a clear pathway into high-growth careers that will power our communities for decades to come. Our partnership with VU builds on Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to local skilling, including the Datacentre Academy in Sydney, which opened last year in partnership with TAFE NSW. With critical talent shortages across the industry, providing students with practical learning and industry-aligned skills will ensure they are ready for opportunities of tomorrow.”
The programme aligns with VU’s approach to delivering demand-driven courses aimed at improving employability outcomes, while also supporting Microsoft’s Datacentre Community Pledge and broader investment in skills development linked to digital infrastructure.
“The University is excited to be partnering with Microsoft to help students prepare for entry level roles in the booming datacentre industry,” said Wayne Butson, chief technical and further education officer at Victoria University. “The Microsoft Datacentre Academy perfectly demonstrates how education and industry can work together to address critical skills shortages and open quality employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.”
Data centres underpin a range of digital services, including cloud computing, streaming and artificial intelligence, and require a specialised workforce to manage and maintain critical systems.
Student Jovi Lardizabel, who enrolled in the programme after previously working in IT and administration roles, said: “I wanted to challenge myself and return to a career I enjoyed. When my son was growing up, I always encouraged him to follow his passion for learning and never limit himself. He’s a lawyer now and when he heard about the new Datacentre Academy, he said to me, ‘You should apply, Mum. You’d be good at this’. I’m not sure what the future will hold, but I know I want a career in the IT world. I want to keep learning and improving my skills. At the Datacentre Academy at VU, I feel very supported by my teacher and the environment around me. It has given me renewed confidence and a sense of direction. I’m looking forward to growing professionally and gaining more knowledge.”