Students graduate from Victoria's first VU Microsoft Datacentre Academy

The first round of Victoria University (VU) graduates from the state’s first Microsoft Datacentre have received certificates of completion at a ceremony at Footscray Nicholson Campus. The 36 students now have the skills to embark on new careers in a burgeoning sector.

Established in March 2026, the VU Microsoft Datacentre Academy is a collaboration between Victoria University and Microsoft, supported by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), designed to support the growing demand for skilled technical professionals in the datacentre industry.

“The University is proud to celebrate this important milestone in the lives of our hard-working students. This is another great example of VU working with partners to help forge exciting employment opportunities in a booming industry. We look forward to giving the next round of students a unique opportunity to join an expanding and skilled workforce,” VU’s Wayne Butson, Chief TAFE Officer said.

The academy offers two fee-free courses designed to help address the significant skills gaps driving workforce shortages in two in-demand roles:

Datacentre Essentials is an entry-level, 12-week course suitable for anyone with basic IT skills interested in knowing more about how datacentres function, their infrastructure, safety, and security measurements. Students apply their learning using a simulated datacentre lab providing first-hand experience and skills.

The Critical Environment Technician 16-week course, focuses on the specialist skills needed to monitor and maintain environments and includes access to a purpose-built datacentre simulator that emulates a data-hall “cage” where students learn to install, configure and maintain servers, data storage, and connectivity.

Today’s graduation event was followed by a Careers Day, where students connected with datacentre industry representatives from Microsoft, CDC, AirTrunk, NEXTDC and STACK Infrastructure. Graduates are also supported through employment pathways, with some already progressing into industry roles or further training.

Recent academy graduate, Cam Lau has secured a role as a Critical Environment Technician (CET) with Microsoft.

“Datacentres are one of the most innovative and exciting industries to work in right now, with growing demand for digital infrastructure and increasing opportunities to improve sustainability for communities and the environment. I chose to study at the VU Microsoft Datacentre Academy because I wanted to be part of this future and contribute to an industry that is helping shape Australia’s digital economy.”

Lau said the course provided excellent foundational knowledge of the systems and operations that keep datacentres running, adding: “There can be a steep learning curve, particularly for students without a technical or operational background. But if you're curious, willing to learn, and interested in technology, it's an incredibly rewarding experience.”

The next round of student intake commences on Monday 3 August, 2026.