Did you know over 35 percent of all global data centers are located in Virginia? Data constantly flows through more than 180 facilities statewide, supporting everything from social media platforms to e-commerce giants.
With the increasing demand for skilled workers in fields like electrical maintenance, fiber optics, network administration, cybersecurity, and HVAC, data center jobs are more promising than ever.
What is a Data Center?
A data center is a facility that stores computing hardware – servers, storage systems and infrastructure – essential for supporting large digital applications. They are used by computer systems, telecommunications and other businesses to store, manage and access data.
Virginia is home to major data center employers like:
- Meta, which opened a 970,000 SF data center in Henrico County in 2020 to handle growing traffic on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The facility runs entirely on renewable energy from solar power and has already created over 200 jobs, with more on the way as it expands.
- Iron Mountain operates five data centers in Virginia and has two more in development in Manassas. They recently announced a new 66-acre campus in Henrico, expected to generate numerous local jobs. Their data centers offer over 280 MW of power capacity and play a crucial role in federal data management.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS), which has maintained a significant presence in Virginia since 2006, operates more than 60 data centers across Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, and Arlington. Their recent $51.9 billion investment in the region has contributed to creating over 7,340 jobs.
Data Center Job and Training Opportunities
Workforce training programs like FastForward offer Virginians opportunities to gain skills and a workforce credential in just a few short weeks for many of the fields that build and maintain data centers. Virginia’s Community Colleges also partners with AWS to provide specific training programs at seven institutions across the state to fuel data center roles and help connect graduates with employers.
As the demand for digital infrastructure grows, Virginia remains at the forefront of the data center industry, providing thousands of job opportunities across various skilled trades. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or advance your skills, workforce training programs like FastForward and partnerships with AWS make it easier than ever to enter this thriving field.
Visit https://fastforwardva.org/aws/ to explore AWS training programs near you.