The demand for new data centers is massive. The supply of skilled tradespeople to build them is not.
As consumers and businesses continue to increase their reliance on digital services, and the resulting exponential growth of cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), the need for high-performance data storage and processing facilities is booming. But data center construction requires advanced mechanical solutions that demand a highly skilled workforce.
The proliferation of cloud services from tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud has created an urgent need for expansive, high-performance data centers.
The expansion of 5G networks has increased the need for localized data centers to process vast amounts of real-time data closer to users to reduce latency. As well, many businesses and government offices now require localized data storage to satisfy new regulatory policies, again increasing the need for regionally based data centers.
On top of all that, the push for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality has to be met with innovative construction design incorporating liquid cooling and advanced HVAC systems. Data centers generate immense heat as a result of the thousands of high-density servers housed within them. Advanced liquid cooling solutions that maintain optimal temperatures are replacing the traditional air-cooled systems, but these new solutions demand precise pipe fabrication and installation. Liquid cooling systems rely on chilled water running through high-quality piping that ensures they can withstand the high pressure and extreme temperature fluctuations. Pre-fabrication techniques are increasingly being adopted to streamline on-site construction and reduce installation times.
In an attempt to meet the incredible demand, the typical data center construction cycle has been condensed from several years to as short as 12 months. That pace requires advanced modular construction techniques, where entire electrical and mechanical components are prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site to shave years off the construction phase.
It is at this stage that another challenge rears its head: the shortage of skilled trades such as pipefitters, welders, electricians, and HVAC technicians. The demand for these professionals is far outpacing supply. An aging and ultimately retiring workforce is currently being replaced with younger, and far fewer skilled tradespeople to handle the complex systems required in the construction of a modern data center.
To address this labor shortage, many companies are now turning to automation and robotics. For example, welding cobots, or collaborative robots like Novarc’s Spool Welding Robot, work alongside humans, allowing a less experienced welder to perform sophisticated welds with more precision, in less time, than the “old school” welder. The Building Information Modelling (BIM) process uses digital representations of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics, providing a shared knowledge resource to optimize design and informed decision-making at any stage of construction.
Still, with all these new processes and technologies, investing in workforce development is key to bridging the skills gap. Apprenticeship programs and vocational training can help grow the next generation of skilled workers. And as those needs grow, companies are upping the ante with highly competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent in mechanical contracting and pipe fabrication.
The demand for data centers is not slowing down anytime soon. Innovation and technology will play a vitally important role, but without a renewed focus on skilled trades recruitment and training, the industry risks bottlenecks that could delay critical infrastructure projects. The companies that adapt to meet these challenges will be the ones holding all the cards in this high-stakes, high-growth market.