London, 30th September, 2025 - Kao Data, the specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has today re-launched its trailblazing online learning resource to inspire primary school children towards future careers in the fast-growing data centre sector.
Addressing the growing skills shortage for the sector, the Kao Academy has been redesigned to provide primary schools across the UK with curriculum-based lesson plans for Upper Key Stage 2 (age 9-11), which explain what data centres are, how they underpin our modern lives and what types of jobs will be in demand in the future. The fun and creative resources also include games, puzzles and a Data Super Hero competition for pupils, which will be targeted at Kao Data’s geographical locations: Harlow, Slough and Stockport, Greater Manchester.
The data centre industry is currently experiencing a critical talent shortage, with global staffing needs already nearing the 2.3 million roles forecasted by the Uptime Institute. Data centre operators across the UK and beyond are struggling to fill roles in engineering, operations and IT infrastructure - and the gap is expected to widen significantly by 2030.
By connecting STEM education to real-world applications and career pathways, via the fun concept of Data Centre Superheroes, the Kao Academy will nurture early interest in tech careers among primary-school age pupils, especially from underrepresented groups within the industry, helping to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
Kao Data has partnered with education experts and social impact agency Hark London, who will also run several in-school activity days in primary schools in Slough, with real-life Data Centre Superheroes teaching young children about data centres.
Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, said: “This new educational initiative from Kao Data is hugely welcomed in Harlow to help both teachers and children understand what data centres do and the range of high quality tech jobs that will be available in the future.
“By helping teachers deliver these vital lessons, we ensure the next generation is ready to thrive in tomorrow’s tech-driven world and give every child, no matter their background, the opportunity to imagine themselves in a data centre job role.
“Introducing primary school children to the technology sector from an early age is key to unlocking their potential and widening their career horizons."
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said: "We must equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Initiatives like the Kao Academy play a vital role in this effort, introducing children to the world of data centres and the critical role technology plays in our lives.
"It is great that Kao Data is investing in the North West and investing in our children’s futures - the Kao Academy relaunch will help to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering."
Lizzy McDowell, Director of Marketing at Kao Data, said: “Our newly re-launched Kao Academy will help children connect STEM subjects to the data centre industry, sparking interest at a formative age and encouraging underrepresented groups to see a place for themselves in the tech industry, specifically the fast-moving data centre industry.
“The data centre industry has a critical talent shortage, so by engaging with primary school children in the areas in which we operate, we can inspire our young people to consider a rewarding STEM career path.
“For the UK to remain competitive in the growing AI and digital economy, it’s our collective responsibility to develop innovative and engaging initiatives that bridge education and industry early, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and ambition to step into roles in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.”
With the data centre sector playing a critical role in growing the UK’s AI and digital economy, initiatives like the Kao Academy play a pivotal role in addressing the growing skills shortage, as well as diversity and inclusion challenges within the sector.
You can see the new classroom resources and competition here: https://kaoacademy.kaodata.com/