A Pipeline Built Around Real Operational Requirements

Per Scholas is launching its first-ever Critical Infrastructure cohort in partnership with Microsoft. The 15-week, instructor-led program covers the full operational scope of a working data center. Technicians train on power and cooling systems, develop fault-diagnosis skills across UPS and ATS infrastructure, follow standard operating procedures for maintenance and emergency response, and learn to read sensor data and system logs to identify risks before they become outages.

The program also covers the tools active data centers rely on, including building management systems, HVAC infrastructure, electrical distribution, and backup power systems. Graduates leave with EPA 608, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, and NFPA 70E certifications.

The curriculum was co-designed with Microsoft, which means it maps directly to the technical standards and operational expectations of active data center environments.

“The expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure is transforming how we think about workforce readiness,” said Mike Egan, General Manager, Microsoft TechSpark. “By working with Per Scholas to co-design this program, we’re helping ensure students are equipped with the skills that lead to direct careers and are working together to build a talent pipeline and create opportunity for people locally.” 

Built to Scale Beyond a Single Cohort

The Atlanta program is the starting point. Per Scholas has trained more than 500 data center technicians over the past three years, many of whom are now working in mission-critical environments, including Microsoft data centers. This collaboration extends that track record through curriculum co-development, creating a repeatable model that can be deployed across markets as demand grows.

“This is not about a single cohort,” said Brittany Murrey, EVP of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas. “It’s about building a long-term, scalable solution that meets the growing demand for critical infrastructure talent, starting in Atlanta and expanding nationwide.”

For employers navigating data center staffing backlogs, this partnership offers a faster path to qualified technicians who, across our employer partnerships, retain at 35-50% higher rates than traditional hiring sources. Read the full press release or connect with us to learn how our Critical Infrastructure pipeline can support your hiring needs.