Data centers keep the digital world running. From cloud storage and online learning to business systems, health care, public safety, and everyday communication, data centers need trained technicians who understand the equipment, systems, and safety practices that support reliable operations.

The Data Center Foundations program through the Western Texas College Opportunity Center gives students a starting point for entry-level training in data center operations. This Continuing Education Occupational Skills Award introduces students to safety, networking hardware, Linux, PC hardware, diagnostics, repair fundamentals, and workplace-ready technical skills.

Data Center Foundations helps students build the basic skills needed to work around the technology and systems used in data center environments. Students learn through focused continuing education courses designed to introduce the hardware, software, networking, and safety practices used in the field.

The program includes 240 contact hours and provides a foundation for students who want to begin training quickly.  

Award Type: Continuing Education Occupational Skills Award (OSA)
Offered Through: Western Texas College Opportunity Center
Contact Hours: 240

Students may also choose two other options that offer college credit through Western Texas College. Students can start with the Data Center Foundations Occupational Skills Award courses that stack into the pathway toward additional education in the Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Level 1 Certificate program.

• Data Center Foundations Occupational Skills Award (12 semester hours – courses stack towards the Certificate)

• Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Level 1 Certificate (36 semester credit hours)

Students in Data Center Foundations will learn introductory skills in:

• Industrial safety

• Personal protective equipment

• Hazard recognition

• OSHA 10 safety practices

• Network cabling

• Linux installation and basic administration

• PC hardware

• Diagnostics and repair fundamentals

• CompTIA A+ certification preparation

48 contact hours
Students learn industrial safety, personal protective equipment, hazard recognition, and OSHA 10 safety practices.

64 contact hours
Students learn network cabling and foundational networking hardware skills.

64 contact hours
Students learn Linux installation and basic administration.

64 contact hours
Students learn PC hardware, diagnostics, repair fundamentals, and CompTIA A+ certification preparation.

Data Center Foundations can help students begin building skills for entry-level opportunities such as:

• Data Center Technician

• Data Center Operations Technician

• IT Support Technician

• Network Hardware Technician

• Computer Hardware Technician

• Technical Support Specialist

• Entry-Level Network Technician

• Field Service Technician

This program may be a good fit for students who:

• Want to start training for a technology career

• Enjoy working with computers, hardware, and hands-on systems

• Want a short-term training option through the Opportunity Center

• Are interested in data centers, networking, computer repair, or IT support

• Want a pathway that can lead to additional college-level training.

Start building the skills needed for data center careers through the Western Texas College Opportunity Center.