Powering the Data Center Boom Starts with a Strong Workforce 

Data centers are being built faster than ever. The global data center construction market is projected to reach $269.9 billion in 2025, up from $253 billion in 2024. With AI, cloud computing and global connectivity driving demand, organizations are working around the clock to construct large-scale facilities that can keep up. Although most conversations centered around the heightened power demand, permitting and speed to market there is a growing issue that often gets overlooked: the workforce behind it all. 

Speed to Market Requires Workforce Coordination and Clarity 

Data center construction schedules are far more condensed than typical infrastructure builds, and the scope is muddled due to complex stakeholder structure and priorities. Lack of clarity can leave teams guessing who is in charge, what standards apply and how decisions are made. Adding to the complexity, companies rely on a diverse set of professionals to build and maintain data centers including electrical and mechanical engineers, IT specialists, safety teams and commissioning agents – all working in high-pressure environments where coordination and clarity are critical.  

Ultimately, speed should never come at the expense of safety or long-term performance. Organizations that balance condensed timelines with robust worker readiness programs will be better positioned to deliver data center projects that are not only fast, but also safe, reliable and built to last. 

Post-Construction Success Starts with Training 

Organizations must be thoughtful of how to ensure maintenance personnel are fully prepared to operate post-construction. Structured training in advanced troubleshooting, scenario-based practice, and formal qualification tracking provides technicians with the confidence to respond quickly and effectively when quality issues arise. This preparation not only reduces the likelihood of incidents but also reinforces a culture of safety and quality that scales with the pace of the industry. 

Retention Challenges Impact Project Continuity 

In a recent study of challenges faced by data center operators, 42% indicated that they have significant workforce retention challenges, stemming from the reality that there are not enough highly skilled employees to go around. These workers are frequently pulled from active jobs by competing offers. It is common to see technicians jump to new roles mid-project, especially when incentives are high. That constant turnover breaks continuity, disrupts workflows and makes it harder to build a team culture rooted in shared responsibility and pride. 

Workforce Development is a Strategic Priority 

All of these considerations point to a single truth. Preparing the workforce cannot be treated as an afterthought. It must be a core part of how data center projects are planned and executed. That includes conducting a thorough role-based analysis to identify task-based qualifications, understanding realistic workforce capabilities, selecting the right tools to support learning in real time and setting quality and safety expectations that every team member understands. It also requires leadership that prioritizes consistency, values hands-on knowledge and works to create an environment where people want to stay.  

Technology is Key, But People Power the System 

Technology plays a role, too. AI, automation and advanced monitoring systems are becoming standard in data centers. These innovations can improve efficiency and reliability, but they still depend on well-trained people to interpret data, adjust settings and identify issues before they become failures. Without knowledgeable human ownership, even the best tools fall flat on their promise.