This webinar will address the talent shortages which force us to work in partnership to develop creative methods to attract people to the industry and build their skills. We need to look wider than the usual suspects. But how?
Talent shortages have a serious impact on the digital infrastructure industry, and the talent gap will only widen as technology improves and demand for supporting infrastructure grows. As an industry, we must work together to develop creative methods to attract people to the industry, and build the requisite skills, knowledge and capabilities.
Some iMasons members are tackling this by building new pathways into the industry, many with a specific focus on communities currently underrepresented in the industry. There is real opportunity in a focus beyond the usual suspects. The most creative companies are offering internships, apprenticeships, graduate programs and scholarships to attract new talent or partner with schools, universities, job centers and charities to reach communities outside those more traditional networks.
Join us to hear their stories, and learn how you can make that work and tackle talent shortages.
Topics covered include:
· How to bring – underrepresented –
talent into the industry
· What are others already doing to
bring talent into the industry?
· Real-life stories of companies who
have set up their own pathways into the industry.
Courtney Popp, the Education Program Manager at iMasons, is responsible for developing and implementing a global workforce development strategy for the industry. She manages the iMasons global scholarship program, awards hundreds of scholarships per year, and works on enhancing the K-12 curriculum in the US in collaboration with the industry. Courtney also oversees the iMasons Capstone program, which involves engaging teams of students and iMasons mentors in year-long projects to introduce them to the digital infrastructure industry.
Riemer Westerbeek, a Project Manager at Colleges for European Data center Education (CEDCE), works within a consortium of educational institutions, businesses, and sector representatives throughout Europe. The aim is to provide highly skilled graduates who are familiar with the latest innovations and meet the current and future demands of the data center industry. CEDCE aims to create a comprehensive data center education curriculum for both full-time students and employees.
Dwayne Douglas, the CEO of Quilt and Node Networks, is a seasoned technology executive with a focus on creating career opportunities and delivering sustainable solutions across various sectors. As the CEO of Quilt, a nonprofit organization, Dwayne is dedicated to empowering residents through access to technology, education, and critical services. He also serves as the CEO of Node Networks, an ISP that bridges the digital divide. Dwayne is actively involved in community impact initiatives, such as serving as the Digital Divide Chair for North Lawndale and being a member of various technology and digital equity organizations.