MESA, Ariz. – Oct. 15, 2025 – Responding to a workforce shortage in data center operations, the Mesa Community College (MCC) Data Center Operations program is working with industry partners to provide training and career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing fields in Arizona and the nation.  

To interest students in MCC programs, a Data Center Day at MCC on Oct.10 featured talks by industry experts such as QTS, Arizona chapter of the Association for Computer Operations Management (AFCOM), Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), Banner Health, Stream, Microsoft, Google, Aligned, CBRE and Big Data. The event provided information on career opportunities in Data Center Operations and Information Technology, networking with industry leaders and a chance to explore new training pathways offered at the college.

“Phoenix is the fastest-growing data center nationally and will eventually become the second biggest data center in the country,” said Ken Hackler, MCC Automated Industrial Technology faculty.

Presenting a data market overview at the event was a representative from DC Byte, which offers data center marketing intelligence to businesses, investors and industry professionals. Panel discussions on hyperscalers and Google were held with members of the MCC Data Center Alliance and Education team. 

Also attending the event were Bryan Darby, vice president of strategic technology initiatives at QTS Data Centers who introduced the event; Ryan Gruver, president of AFCOM; and members of (iMasons), a global nonprofit and professional organization empowered to build a greater digital future for all.

MCC currently offers:

● Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Data Center Operations, a 22-credit program providing  hands-on training to develop expertise in data center infrastructure, electrical and mechanical systems and safety & ethics. 

● Network Academy Program which trains students in performing specific tasks that meet  industry-recognized standards including skills associated with network administration and  security, computer networks and data communications, and information and data security. The  program also provides certification in CISCO, Linux and Microsoft Windows for network  professionals. 

● CCL in Computer System Configuration and Support Network prepares students for entry-level computer maintenance, help desk, and network technician jobs with an emphasis on networking.

As part of the new CCL in Data Center Operations, two new courses were developed–Introduction to Data Center Operations and Power Distribution Systems. 

MCC worked closely with iMasons and AFCOM teams to create the data center operations certification, Hackler said, adding that contributions of more than $33,000 from QTS, $10,000 from AFCOM and $5,000 from EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure recently launched a new scholarship fund with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation benefiting MCC and EMCC students.

“We are most appreciative of our industry and association partnerships which played a tremendous role in building our programming,” MCC Dean of Instruction - Applied Sciences & Technology, Business, and CIS Michael Voss pointed out. “Together we are developing a highly skilled workforce of the future.”

Hackler added that students certified in data center operations have an abundance of career opportunities with a variety of skillsets in employment as a mechanical, electrical, and controls technician in data centers or companies that support data center functions.

Visit the MCC website for more information.

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Media Contact: Drea Yazzie, quindrea.yazzie@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7056.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.