On-the-job training is one of the best ways to learn. However, what if you combine on-the-job training with self-paced online learning, mentoring, standardized testing and final oral boards? You get the CoreSite Qualification Program, a multi-phased, step-by-step regimen which enables technicians to qualify in the different proficiencies needed for data center security and systems operations.
Our Qualification Program is squarely aimed at creating opportunities for experienced technicians as well as complete “newbies” who are interested in the industry to cultivate highly sought-after skills. In addition, the program enables career advancement based on proven expertise, as opposed to tenure.
That’s great, not just because it opens the door to a wider pool of candidates and can lead to rapid career growth, but also because it drives overall data center operational excellence, which is professionally rewarding and critical for our clients.
And, before diving into the details of our Program, I’ll acknowledge Joe Liccardo, Vice President of Data Center Field Operations, for his significant contribution to this post.
Developing “Across the Board” Proficiencies
Data centers are highly technical environments with sophisticated power, cooling, interconnection and security systems. The Qualification Program curriculum includes specific elements on the standard operating procedures for monitoring and maintaining those systems, as well as performing remote hands services for clients and providing physical security for the data center.
If you have looked at job postings for data center technician opportunities, you know that there are categories of titles that reflect the skills and experience you need to take on the responsibilities that go with each category. We align our tier qualifications with those categories and, thanks to our commitment to reward career advancement based on demonstrated skills, by the time someone completes the Program, they are proficient “across the board” in data center technician roles. They also can mentor their colleagues and set their sights on becoming a Data Center Operations Manager.
I’ll be honest – we are protective about the specifics of the Program. It’s a differentiator and unique to CoreSite. However, I’ll give you an overview of the four qualification tiers to show what we have identified as essential core skills and knowledge.
Solving Industry Challenges and Building Exceptional Teams
A 2023 Uptime Institute report shows that 58% of global data center providers had difficulty finding qualified candidates. Their 2025 Global Data Center Survey revisited the challenge and summed up the current situation: “Staffing challenges have neither improved nor worsened from 2023. More effort is needed to expand labor pools and skillsets to match.” Adding to the demand is the fact that the data center industry is growing fast.
We’ve kept these challenges in mind as we developed our Qualification Program, which is one reason why the average tenure for CoreSite data center personnel is remarkable. It allows us to schedule “smart” and adjust for peoples’ personal lives – having a cadre of highly qualified professionals makes it easier to cover necessary resources, since several people at a facility can jump in when needed.
Did you see our blog post this past International Data Center Day? It features Lauren Greski, who started her career at CoreSite in security. Following an organizational restructuring in 2018, Lauren entered the Qualification Program and now is a Data Center Operation Manager, supervising a team of technicians, managing the daily functions and overseeing maintenance of CoreSite’s Boston data center, BO1. She and her team are part of the reason that CoreSite has a long-standing record of delivering operational excellence consistently exceeding the industry standard of 99.999% uptime, and why customers give CoreSite four- and five-star ratings on the Gartner Peer Insights review platform. You can learn more about the Program from Lauren in her own words by checking out this video on the CoreSite YouTube Channel.
It’s proof you don’t have to move on to move up. And the work done in data centers matters. Enterprises of all sizes trust us to keep their business “in business”, and critical services like cancer research and emergency response systems available 24x7x365.
Think you might be interested in a career in the data center industry? Get in touch! We'd be happy to discuss your options and aspirations.
Know More
Go to the CoreSite Careers section of our website to learn more about the many opportunities offered in data center operations as well as other areas of the company, our core values, benefits packages, values and commitment to operational excellence.
And, check out the CoreSite YouTube channel to meet some of your data center operations team and get a look inside a data center!
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