Access industry certifications, training programs, career pathways, and mentorship to advance your data center career.
New to the industry? Check out DC101 for a 10 minute primer on who thrives here and what to learn first.
The Arizona Data Center Workforce Development Alliance brings together Infrastructure Masons, 7x24 Exchange, AFCOM Phoenix, Nomad Futurist, Hands-On Heroes, and Arizona Workforce Development in a shared, open-collaboration model rooted in the belief that all ships rise with the tide.
As data center demand accelerates and a significant portion of the skilled workforce nears retirement, the industry faces a widening gap between open roles and qualified talent, particularly across the trades, operations, and emerging digital infrastructure skill sets.
This Alliance was formed to address that challenge head-on by aligning industry, education, and community to expand early awareness, create clear career pathways, and strengthen workforce readiness by investing in future talent, upskilling today's workforce, and building a sustainable talent pipeline for Arizona's long-term growth.
Comprehensive programs designed to build skills, advance careers, and create meaningful connections within Arizona's data center industry.
Industry-recognized certifications and hands-on training through our educational partners and community programs.
Clear progression routes from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the data center industry.
Build skills at each level with certification requirements and mentorship.
Learn Your PathOne-on-one guidance, professional development, and comprehensive career support services.
Real programs training Arizona's next generation of data center professionals, from certificates to hands-on academy experiences.
A focused Certificate of Completion in Applied Technology covering the full spectrum of data center operations, from infrastructure fundamentals to advanced systems management. Prepares students for high-demand technician roles in mechanical, electrical, and controls positions.
Hands-on technical training for real DC environments
Developed with iMasons and AFCOM input
Mechanical, electrical & controls technician roles
QTS, EdgeCore & AFCOM scholarship fund available
A 22-credit, two-semester Certificate of Completion designed to meet workforce demand in Arizona's data infrastructure sector. Developed in partnership with Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) and AFCOM to ensure content aligns with real-world data center operations.
Core fundamentals of data center operations
Electrical infrastructure for facilities
Credits count toward Associate in Applied Science
Funded by QTS, EdgeCore & AFCOM Phoenix
Baltu Technologies is an AI-powered learning platform purpose-built to move people into high-demand technical careers, including data center operations. Courses are designed directly with employers, free for learners, and mapped to a personal skills profile so every lesson ties back to a real job. AZDCA uses Baltu as the front door of our intern pipeline: finish the free data center course, meet with AZDCA, and get placed into a paid internship with a member employer.
Starts with a strengths and interests profile
Built with data center operators for real roles
Earn recognized credentials as you progress
Graduates get referred to AZDCA member employers
A workforce development program where Estrella Mountain and Glendale Community College collaborate with Microsoft to provide hands-on IT training in high-tech classrooms and a dedicated Datacenter Academy lab with rack cabinets, servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.
A+, Security+, Network+, Cloud+, Server+
Custom tours of local Microsoft datacenters
Interview for roles from logistics to hardware maintenance
Resume building, interview prep, LinkedIn coaching from Microsoft pros
Advanced degree programs and research in sustainable data center operations, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies.
Specialized technical training in data center infrastructure, cooling systems, power management, and hands-on certification prep.
Industry organizations providing curriculum development, networking events, and professional development for data center professionals.
Industry-recognized credentials across all data center roles
Comprehensive pathways from entry-level to leadership
One-on-one guidance from industry professionals
Leading institutions across Arizona and beyond
Ready to advance your data center career? Connect with our team to learn about available training opportunities, mentorship programs, and certification funding.