Preparing students for careers in technology at TAFE NSW Datacentre Academy
The expansion of datacentres across Australia is fuelling demand for skilled datacentre professionals. With the growth of cloud computing and AI, Australia’s datacentre workforce is set to double by 2030. In response, Microsoft and TAFE NSW have partnered to establish the first Datacentre Academy location in Australia to fill the critical skills shortage.
Since its 2018 founding in the US state of Virginia, the global Microsoft Datacentre Academy has empowered individuals to excel in the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, IT, and critical environment. This workforce development programme equips students with the necessary knowledge, hands-on experience, and mentorship they need to launch careers as datacentre specialists in two critical, in-demand roles: datacentre technician and critical environment technician.
The Datacentre Academy offers a comprehensive approach to training, with a simulated datacentre lab at TAFE NSW Meadowbank where students gain hands-on experience. The programme also includes industry certifications and career readiness, ensuring that students have the essential skills to build a future-ready career in the datacentre industry.
Opening doors to careers in cloud computing
Through their partnership, Microsoft and TAFE NSW are helping the community access local jobs within the growing datacentre industry. In February 2025, the Datacentre Academy in Meadowbank is welcoming its first two cohorts, offering two 13-week courses:
- Datacentre Essentials: A comprehensive programme designed to prepare graduates for the role of a datacentre technician. This course introduces students to the datacentre environment, standard security procedures, and data management. Students learn fundamental IT skills, including installing, diagnosing, and decommissioning hardware—critical skills for datacentre technicians. Learn more about a career as a datacentre technician.
- Introduction to Critical Environment Technician: A foundational course for students interested in the critical environment technician role. Students will learn about critical environment equipment and receive training in maintenance, equipment monitoring, and incident response. Learn more about a career as a critical environment technician.
Providing hands-on training at the Datacentre Academy technology lab
At the heart of the Datacentre Academy is its cutting-edge technology lab at Meadowbank, where datacentre-technician students gain practical experience using industry-standard technology. The lab, developed through a collaboration between Microsoft and TAFE NSW, includes datacentre racks donated by Microsoft. The hands-on training in a simulated datacentre environment ensures students are ready to transition seamlessly into actual datacentre jobs.
The Datacentre Academy is designed to make tech careers accessible to all. With 30 locations operating globally, Microsoft partners with select education partners to help job seekers and students pursue in-demand technology skills in datacentre communities, by delivering training, certifications, scholarships, grants, mentorship, and work experience.
The Academy also supports inclusivity and fosters diversity within the tech industry, with a focus on creating employment pathways for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For more information about the programme, visit: TAFE NSW Data Centre Academy | Industry Partnerships & Training | TAFE NSW.
