Drogheda Institute and Amazon Web Services (AWS) collaborate on Data Centre Technician programme

Drogheda Institute of Further Education is delighted to again collaborate with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch a fourth intake for the hugely successful Data Centre Technician Programme commencing this November.

The partnership includes a bursary programme supported by AWS that will enable successful applicants to complete their studies free of fees. The programme will also enable successful candidates to apply to complete a 14-week paid placement in AWS data centres to prepare graduates for a career working as a data technician.

For over a decade, AWS has invested in developing data centres and cloud infrastructure services in Ireland and the Data Centre Technician training programme has been established to support the recruitment of skilled personnel from the region. The programme will train learners in the latest data centre technologies including maintaining the hardware infrastructure of cloud computing servers, performing diagnostics, troubleshooting problems, gathering data on common issues while also working in teams to resolve hardware and networking systems issues.

Successful learners may also gain an opportunity to gain real hands-on experience in the experiential learning elements of the programme with course participants given the opportunity to apply for 14-week paid placements in an AWS Data Centre in the region.

The Data Centre Technician Programme is designed to prepare graduates for employment in data centres or companies that support data centre function as a technician. The programme contains dual certification with successful graduates gaining a number of specialist QQI component awards and also completing the industry standard Cisco Certified Networking Support Technician award. Successful completion of the programme will place candidates in a strong position to compete for Data Centre Technician Roles in AWS Data Centres in Ireland.

The programme consists of part time study over three evenings per week and biweekly workshops on a Saturday ensuring that the programme is accessible for all interested applicants. The programme will run from November to July with a 14-week paid placement in an AWS Data Centre scheduled to commence in February 2025.

“The continued collaboration between DIFE and AWS has been a fantastic development and the Data Centre Technician programme provides a springboard for local people to advance on an exciting career path in this emerging sector,” said Davy Mc Donnell, principal of Drogheda Institute of Further Education. “The commitment from AWS, a global leader in Cloud Computing Services to work with us on a training programme in Drogheda provides students in the Drogheda community with a unique opportunity to develop the relevant skills to secure in-demand jobs in the region” he added.

Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager at AWS added: "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with DIFE on the successful Data Centre Technician Programme. Now in its fourth year, this programme will help individuals from the local community and surrounding areas to jump-start a career in technology. We remain deeply committed to the communities in which we operate, and this is another example of our commitment to foster a pipeline of talent in the data centre space in Ireland.”

Applications are now invited for the programme with course interviews scheduled for late October. For further information on the programme and to Apply for the 2024 intake see: www.dife.ie