Shawn Fonville, Vice President for Career and Technical Education and Continuing Education, stands on the front of the Western Texas College campus.
The Western Texas College Board of Trustees approved a new Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Level 1 Certificate during its June 8 meeting. The College developed the workforce program to address the growing demand for technicians with information technology and facilities operations skills.
“The Board’s approval of this certificate reflects Western Texas College’s commitment to anticipating workforce needs and creating educational pathways that lead directly to meaningful careers,” said Shawn Fonville, Vice President for Career and Technical Education and Continuing Education at Western Texas College (WTC). “As technology infrastructure continues to expand across Texas, employers need highly skilled technicians who understand both the digital and operational sides of data center environments. This program gives our students options and opportunities to learn skills for jobs that support regional economic development.'
Designed with flexibility in mind, courses can be accessed through both continuing education and career and technical education (CTE) pathways, allowing Western Texas College to serve traditional college students and working people who want to add to their skill set. The program also creates opportunities for future dual-credit partnerships that will let high school students earn college credit while preparing for high-demand technology careers.
The Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Level 1 Certificate program includes courses in networking hardware, Linux administration, information technology security, programmable logic controllers, motor controls, electrical theory, industrial safety, fiber optics, and mechanical systems. Students will also learn essential workplace skills related to communication, professionalism, ethics, and safety.
The program gives students the option to start small through the continuing education pathway and keep going if they want to continue. Students can first earn a Data Center Foundations Occupational Skills Award (OSA) through the WTC Opportunity Center. The first classes for that Award also stack toward the Level 1 Certificate; that means students can earn the Award, and start working, or they can keep taking classes to earn the full Certificate. This gives students more choices and a faster path to a job or more education.
“Whether people are pursuing college credit or seeking quick workforce training through the WTC Opportunity Center, this program provides options to meet people where they are and connect them with skills that are in high demand right now,” Fonville added.
The Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Certificate reflects Western Texas College’s commitment to expanding workforce-responsive educational pathways that support students, employers, and communities. The program also advances the College’s forthcoming strategic plan, “Serving Students Together: A 10-Year Strategy for Western Texas College (2026–2036).” The plan outlines the College’s goals to strengthen workforce alignment, expand access through dual credit and workforce education opportunities, and create clear pathways from education to employment.
Western Texas College plans to start the program in the fall of 2026.