The Uptime Institute estimates the data center industry is facing a shortage of more than 2 million workers globally. Demand for critical facilities technicians is concentrated in the markets where AI infrastructure is growing fastest, and the existing hiring pool isn't keeping pace. At Per Scholas, we are expanding our Critical Facilities Training Program to directly meet that demand, backed by a multi-year grant commitment from the Equinix Foundation.
Atlanta to a National Pipeline
The Critical Facilities Training Program launched earlier this year in Atlanta in partnership with Microsoft, proving the model in a high-demand market. The Equinix Foundation investment enables the next phase, expanding into Dallas, Northern Virginia, and Columbus, with a fourth market to be announced. These represent the country's most active data center corridors, where hiring demand consistently outpaces supply.
The program prepares technicians for roles like Critical Facilities Engineer and Building Systems Technician, covering power and cooling systems, building management, operational troubleshooting, and emergency response procedures. Training is delivered through an immersive, lab-based model that integrates AR/VR tools and specialized equipment designed to mirror active data center environments. Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications and hands-on operational experience before day one.
Co-developed with direct input from industry leaders, the curriculum maps directly to real-world operational standards. Over the next two years, the expanded program is projected to train more than 300 learners, with an anticipated graduation rate exceeding 85%.
"The growth of the digital economy is creating enormous economic opportunity," said Paige Rodgers, Director of the Equinix Foundation. "Our collaboration with Per Scholas is about creating pathways into high-demand careers in digital infrastructure. We invite other employers to join us in building a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline."
A Repeatable Model Built for Employer Demand
The Equinix Foundation's investment serves as a funding anchor, enabling Per Scholas to build out the specialized training infrastructure and laboratory equipment required by the Critical Facilities curriculum. That investment structure matters for employer partners because it means the program enters each new market fully resourced, not dependent on per-cohort economics to sustain quality.
Per Scholas has trained more than 500 data center technicians over the past three years, many of whom are now working in mission-critical environments. This expansion extends that track record into markets where employers are already navigating staffing backlogs.
For employers hiring critical facilities talent in Dallas, Northern Virginia, Columbus, or Atlanta, connect with us to learn how the pipeline can support your hiring needs.