These 5 Courses Will Teach You Data Centre Skills (And Help You Land a Technician Role)
Data centre technician jobs are growing fast thanks to cloud and AI demand. Here are 5 great online courses that teach the core skills—from networking to server maintenance.
Data centres are the invisible engines behind nearly everything we do online. From streaming a video to sending an email or processing a bank transaction, chances are, it passed through a server in a data centre.
And keeping those servers cool, connected, and always running? That’s the job of Data Centre Technicians.
Who is a Data Centre Technician?
A Data Centre Technician (DCT) is the boots-on-the-ground professional who keeps the physical infrastructure of the data centre running smoothly. They install hardware, manage cables, monitor systems, troubleshoot issues, and make sure racks of servers stay healthy 24/7.
As more companies move to the cloud and demand for AI computing skyrockets, data centres are growing fast, and they need skilled people to keep them online.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a four-year degree to break into this space. If you're curious, handy with tech, and love solving problems, there are plenty of beginner-friendly courses that can help you build the foundational skills of a Data Centre Technician.
Louis Eriakha
Here are five free or low-cost courses to kickstart your journey:
1. Data Centre Essentials: General Introduction – Udemy
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to data centres, covering standards, terminology, and the various components that make up these critical facilities.
What you’ll learn:
- History, types, and sizes of data centres
- Standards and goals, including tiers of reliability
- Components and systems that support data centre operations
Why take it:
It's designed for beginners and offers a solid foundation in understanding how data centres function, making it perfect if you're exploring this career path.
2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate – Coursera
Before you can troubleshoot a server, you need to know how computers work. This certificate teaches the core IT concepts every data centre tech needs.
What you’ll learn:
- Operating systems, networking, and system administration basics
- How to diagnose and fix common hardware/software issues
- Real-world scenarios you might encounter on the job
Why take it:
Data centres rely on IT generalists who can adapt fast. This course gives you the groundwork to build up that versatility.
3. Data Centre Fundamentals – CNet Training (Free Module)
CNet is one of the leading training providers in the world of data centres. Their free “Fundamentals” course introduces critical infrastructure topics.
What you’ll learn:
- Power and cooling systems
- Cabling standards and layout planning
- Industry trends and best practices
Why take it:
This one’s ideal if you’re curious about the physical side of data centres—like how racks are arranged or how airflow is engineered to prevent overheating.
4. CompTIA A+ Certification Prep – Professor Messer
While not data centre-specific, A+ covers everything from hardware to troubleshooting, and it’s a credential hiring managers recognise.
What you’ll learn:
- Hardware setup and configuration
- Troubleshooting steps and ticketing processes
- Basic cybersecurity and operational procedures
Why take it:
Even if you don’t get certified right away, studying A+ content builds confidence and shows employers you’re serious about tech.
Bonus Option: You can also check out FreeCodeCamp’s A+ videos on YouTube.
5. Networking Basics – Cisco Networking Academy
Networking is the glue that connects every server, switch, and storage unit in a data centre. This free course from Cisco is a great primer.
What you’ll learn:
- How devices communicate across networks
- Basic IP addressing and subnetting
- Common tools used for diagnostics and maintenance
Why take it:
A tech who understands both hardware and networking is far more valuable. This course gives you a foot in both worlds.
Conclusion
Working as a Data Centre Technician means being part of the team that keeps the digital world spinning. It’s a hands-on, in-demand job with plenty of room to grow, whether you want to specialise in hardware, networking, or cloud infrastructure.
The best part? You don’t need a fancy degree to start. Just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a few well-chosen courses to guide you.
Start with one that sparks your interest and build from there. Your future in tech might just begin with a rack of servers and a good set of cable ties.
