Compass Datacenters, MCC launch Mississippi’s first data center workforce training program
Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College have launched Mississippi’s first Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology Data Center Pathway Program.
The new MEI Pathway Program will provide hands-on training for technical jobs in the growing data center industry. The program was introduced during a two-day launch event and career fair held at the College’s Riley Workforce Development Center.
The first class will begin this fall. No college degree or previous industry experience is required.
During the 15-week program, students will train on the same types of mechanical, electrical, and information technology equipment used in modern data centers. Graduates will be prepared for jobs that help operate and maintain these facilities.
Compass is providing full-tuition scholarships for the first group of students.
“We’re building the future in Mississippi, and this program is tailor-made to ensure Meridian has the workforce to meet that future,” said Chris Crosby, CEO of Compass Datacenters. “We aren’t just building data centers in Meridian. We’re helping create a workforce that will support them for decades to come.”
Crosby said local residents should have the opportunity to benefit from the economic growth taking place in their community.
The data center industry faces an annual shortage of more than 500,000 skilled trade workers. These workers maintain the mechanical, electrical and IT systems that keep data centers operating.
The need is especially important in Mississippi, where data centers and other large industrial projects are competing for skilled workers.
“MCC opens doors and provides new opportunities to people from all walks of life,” said Dr. Tom Huebner, president of Meridian Community College. “Partnering with Compass allows us to meet a national industry need with local talent while giving East Mississippians a direct path to career-building jobs.”
Ten industry partners are supporting MCC’s first MEI Pathway class: RK Industries, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Vertiv, Allied Universal, Convergint, Rosendin, Rubicon, Salute, and Shermco.
The program is open to companies across the data center industry. Compass customers, suppliers, service providers and competitors may participate in the program and recruit its graduates.
“The data center industry doesn’t run on technology alone. It runs on people,” said Sudhir Kalra, fellow and chief adviser for data center operations at Compass. “As digital infrastructure demand grows, so does the need for technicians who understand the systems behind it.”
Kalra said the partnership with MCC will help prepare the next generation of data center technicians while creating new opportunities for local workers.
Compass first created the MEI Data Center Pathway Program in Red Oak, Texas. Now in its second year, the program has a waiting list and has helped place graduates with companies including CBRE, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Salute.
Many graduates have accepted jobs paying 30 to 50 percent more than the median salary in their local communities.
The program has also expanded to Texas State Technical College campuses in Waco and Abilene.
“Mississippi is competing for and winning the jobs of the future, and workforce development is how we keep that momentum going,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “I thank Compass for investing in our people and our communities, and I applaud Meridian for building excellent programming that helps Mississippi workers participate in the fast-growing digital economy.”
Josh Todd, president of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, said the program will benefit residents throughout the county.
“Students from anywhere in Lauderdale County will be able to learn skills they can take anywhere in the world,” Todd said. “This is a pivotal moment for Lauderdale County.”
Meridian Mayor Percy Bland III said the partnership represents an investment in both infrastructure and people.
“Through this partnership, we’re creating new career opportunities that will strengthen our workforce and our community for generations,” Bland said.
When completed, Compass Datacenters’ Meridian campus is expected to represent an estimated $10 billion investment, including equipment installed by future tenants. The campus is also expected to support direct and indirect jobs throughout its operation.
Compass describes its approach as being a “100-year neighbor,” with a focus on supporting the workforce, infrastructure and long-term well-being of the communities where it operates.
Visit meridiancc.edu/mei for more information.