This year the European Union has set a target for the industry to once again have a significant weight in the national GDP, at least reaching 20%. The latest data from the INE reveal that the sector represented 15.3% in our country, which shows that there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.
Many voices are now calling for a reindustrialization plan for Spain. In this context, data centers form the backbone of this sector, as they maintain the digital economy, hosting the “clouds” that support our data.
It is clear that today’s society is on a permanent path towards digitalization. The current demands of the connected society are influenced by everyday elements, from cell phones to means of transportation that increasingly require a solid Data Center infrastructure that is able to support these needs.
There is therefore a growing demand for professionals with expertise in the Data Center sector, who are able to perform quickly and effectively in a complex but booming industry. Therefore, this reindustrialization is only possible with talent, and Spain has several challenges ahead in this area.
What are the industry’s main challenges in finding talent?
To meet this demand, the sector already has difficulties in finding a type of talent that is very specific. Specifically, from Nabiax we identify 4 major challenges in terms of employability:
Educational specialization
When looking for professionals who have knowledge of data center infrastructures, it is essential that it be technical and in-depth, but educational institutions are not yet fully prepared to train all the necessary professionals. Workers must have a detailed understanding of the architecture and operation of data centers, covering aspects ranging from networks to security systems. Likewise, experience in critical infrastructure management takes on a crucial role, as they have to maintain and operate systems and equipment vital to the continuity of operations that support the daily activity of many businesses.
Soft skills
In this highly technological and dynamic environment, unforeseen issues often arise. This, coupled with a strong customer focus, makes problem-solving skills and flexibility a much-needed competency. In addition, professionals in this industry have to collaborate with different teams, technical and non-technical, so communication skills are also essential.
Onboarding junior talent
In order for junior talent to be attracted to this sector, the implementation of mentoring programs is an essential tool, allowing less experienced professionals to learn from those with more experience and absorb multidisciplinary knowledge in an effective manner. Continuous training is also an incentive to attract this young talent, as the sector requires a technical understanding of different areas, in which new technological solutions are constantly appearing.
But beyond technical skills, a focus on developing soft skills, such as problem solving and team collaboration, is essential to build holistic professionals. Also, rotating roles between different areas can enrich the perspective of junior professionals, fostering their versatility and broadening their knowledge.
Lack of female talent
The inclusion of female professionals in a largely male-dominated sector demands a number of specific approaches. To begin with, continuing to encourage girls to choose STEM careers will boost their presence in sectors such as data centers, as these are subjects and careers focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
On the other hand, continuing to implement equity policies is crucial, ensuring that hiring, promotion and pay opportunities are equal for women and men. Finally, creating networks and communities exclusively for women in the sector can provide a space for support and exchange of experiences, as well as fostering networking and professional networks for the improvement of opportunities will contribute to reducing the gender gap.
All these aspects present a complex environment for companies in the sector, but one that we, the leading companies in the sector, must support with an attractive offer, continuous training and the promotion of teamwork. In the educational field, beyond a public-private partnership, there must undoubtedly be a change in the educational system, which brings closer positions between the employment demands of the industry and the available training, so that the network that supports the digital industry remains equally robust.