How to Break Into The ‘Secret Industry’ of Data Centres
Introduction
Data centres power everything from AI and cloud computing to hospitals, finance, and everyday digital life. But while demand for digital infrastructure is booming, data centre careers remain one of tech’s best-kept secrets.
In this feature, originally published in Jobs & Careers Magazine (Winter 2025/26), Global Commissioning’s Chief People Officer, Luke Foxley, explains why now is the perfect time to build a career in data centre commissioning, and how people from all backgrounds can break in.
What is data centre commissioning?
Data centre commissioning is the process that ensures critical infrastructure - electrical, mechanical, and control systems - is designed, installed, tested, and handed over safely and efficiently.
“Commissioning is what makes a data centre work,” says Foxley. “We’re the first and last line before a facility goes live. Without commissioning, nothing turns on.”
This makes commissioning a critical and fast-growing part of the data centre industry, with demand increasing globally.
Inside Tech’s Best-Kept Secret
Discover how to break into data centre careers and commissioning, one of the fastest-growing sectors in tech - insight’s from Global Commissioning’s Chief People Officer Luke Foxley.
Why data centre careers are growing so fast
Data centres are expanding at pace to support:
Artificial intelligence
Cloud services
Healthcare systems
Financial infrastructure
Global connectivity
As a result, careers in data centres are future-proof, with long-term demand across engineering, technology, safety, and operations.
“At Global, we’ve grown more than 50% year-on-year since 2019,” Foxley explains. “And we’re still only scratching the surface.”
What roles exist in data centre commissioning?
One of the biggest misconceptions about data centre careers is that they’re only for highly specialised engineers.
In reality, commissioning teams include:
Electrical and mechanical engineers
Commissioning engineers
Energy marshals
Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) specialists
Health & safety professionals
Software and digital solutions teams
Finance, HR, and project management roles
“We’re not just hiring people who’ve been in the industry for decades,” Foxley says. “We’re hiring apprentices, graduates, and people retraining from other industries.”
Skills that matter more than experience
While technical skills are important, they’re not the only thing employers look for.
“What matters is curiosity, problem-solving, and the willingness to learn,” says Foxley. “If you’ve got that, we can teach you the rest.”
This makes data centre commissioning careers accessible to people looking to:
Switch industries
Move from construction into tech
Build a long-term engineering career
Enter the tech sector without coding
A career with real-world impact
Beyond growth and opportunity, data centre careers offer something many roles don’t: purpose.
“When you commission a data centre, you’re literally making the internet work,” Foxley explains. “You’re keeping hospitals online, financial systems running, and AI tools learning.”
Few careers offer such direct, global impact.
How to break into the data centre industry
For those interested in starting a career in data centre commissioning, Foxley’s advice is simple:
Be curious
Learn the basics of how data centres work and how commissioning fits in.
Build your network
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and attend industry events.
Stay open
Transferable skills matter more than a perfect CV.
“The truth is, the industry needs people,” Foxley says. “If you’re hungry to learn, there’s a place for you.”
Conclusion
Once a hidden sector, the data centre industry is now firmly in the spotlight - and the opportunity is wide open.
“Breaking into data centres isn’t as hard as you think - I did it,” Foxley says. “But it does take boldness. The people who put their hand up now will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow.”
Interested in data centre careers?
Explore opportunities at Global Commissioning and learn how you can help power the world’s critical infrastructure.
CAREERS
Attribution
Originally published in Jobs & Careers Magazine, Winter 2025/26.