Basic Data Centre Training Course

Introduction

A fundamental understanding of data center principles is crucial for both technical and non-technical staff to ensure efficient operations, minimize downtime, and support strategic business objectives. Mastering Basic Data Centre Concepts, Operations, and Management is absolutely critical for IT professionals, facilities managers, administrative staff, security personnel, and anyone whose work interacts with or relies on data center infrastructure, seeking to enhance their understanding of these vital facilities. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip IT support staff, facilities technicians, administrative assistants, project coordinators, security guards, and business stakeholders with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for understanding core data center components, recognizing key operational procedures, appreciating environmental controls (power, cooling), identifying basic security protocols, and communicating effectively within a data center environment. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of data center functions, the nuances of maintaining optimal operating conditions, the challenges of ensuring uptime and resilience, and the critical role of all staff in supporting this essential infrastructure.

This data center fundamentals and operational awareness course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond siloed understanding towards a holistic, collaboratively informed, and securely managed approach to critical IT infrastructure. Mastering basic power and cooling principles, implementing effective access control procedures, and understanding strategies for emergency response within a data center are indispensable for mitigating operational risks, enhancing safety protocols, optimizing resource utilization, and ultimately achieving significant advancements in data center efficiency, reliability, and security.

Target Audience

• Entry-Level IT Support Staff
• Facilities Management Personnel
• Administrative Staff working near data centers
• Project Coordinators in IT/Infrastructure
• Data Centre Security Personnel
• Business Users relying on Data Centre Services
• Anyone new to data center environments

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental purpose and role of data centers in modern organizations.
• Learn about the primary physical components and infrastructure within a data center.
• Develop proficiency in recognizing essential power and cooling systems and their functions.
• Understand basic data center cabling standards, networking concepts, and connectivity.
• Explore best practices in physical security, access control, and environmental monitoring.
• Grasp advanced techniques for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe data center environment.
• Learn about robust approaches to emergency procedures and basic incident response within the data center.
• Identify the critical role of basic health and safety protocols specific to data centers.
• Develop skills in effective communication and collaboration with technical data center staff.
• Understand the importance of efficient data center operations for business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Analyze ethical considerations and data privacy principles in data center management.
• Drive the implementation of best practices for maintaining data center uptime and reliability.
• Formulate strategies for continuous learning and adaptation to evolving data center technologies.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Data Centers

• Defining a data center: purpose, types, and importance in the digital age
• Historical evolution of data centers and current trends
• The role of data centers in supporting business operations and services
• Overview of key industry standards and best practices (brief mention)
• Basic terminology and jargon used in data center environments

Module 2. Physical Infrastructure & Core Components

• Server racks, cabinets, and containment systems
• Servers, storage devices, and networking equipment (routers, switches, firewalls)
• Cabling infrastructure: copper, fiber, and cable management
• Basic understanding of hardware installation and labelling
• The overall layout and zones within a data center

Module 3. Power Systems Fundamentals

• Understanding electricity basics: AC vs. DC power
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and their function
• Generators: types, operation, and fuel considerations
• Power distribution units (PDUs) and rack power management
• Basic awareness of electrical safety in a data center

Module 4. Cooling Systems Fundamentals

• The importance of cooling in a data center: heat generation and dissipation
• Types of cooling systems: CRAC/CRAH units, chillers, cooling towers
• Hot aisle/cold aisle containment strategies
• Temperature and humidity control: optimal ranges and monitoring
• Basic airflow management and energy efficiency considerations

Module 5. Network & Connectivity Basics

• Understanding basic networking concepts: LAN, WAN, IP addresses
• Types of network cabling and connectors
• The purpose of network racks and patching
• Basic understanding of data flow within the data center network
• Introduction to internet connectivity and external links

Module 6. Physical Security & Access Control

• Importance of physical security for data centers
• Access control systems: biometric, card readers, mantraps
• Surveillance systems: CCTV and monitoring
• Visitor management and escort protocols
• Basic emergency exit procedures and fire safety awareness

Module 7. Environmental Monitoring & Management

• Systems for monitoring temperature, humidity, and airflow
• Leak detection and other environmental sensors
• Basic understanding of fire suppression systems (e.g., clean agent, sprinkler)
• Importance of cleanliness and housekeeping in the data center
• Asset tracking and inventory management basics

Module 8. Basic Operations & Safety Protocols

• Understanding standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data center tasks
• Basic troubleshooting and incident reporting procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and safety guidelines
• Emergency shutdown procedures and power cycle protocols (basic awareness)
• Communication protocols during incidents and emergencies

Module 9. Data Centre Efficiency & Sustainability (Basic)

• Introduction to PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) and energy efficiency metrics
• Basic strategies for reducing energy consumption
• Waste management in data centers (e.g., e-waste)
• The concept of green data centers (brief overview)
• Importance of resource optimization

Module 10. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (Basic)

• The role of the data center in business continuity planning
• Basic understanding of data backup and recovery strategies
• Redundancy and resilience concepts (N, N+1)
• Introduction to disaster recovery sites and their purpose
• The impact of data center downtime on business operations

Module 11. Data Center Trends (Basic Awareness)

• Introduction to cloud computing and its relationship to data centers
• Edge computing and its implications
• Containerization and virtualization (brief overview)
• The increasing demand for data center services
• Future outlook for data center technology and design

Module 12. Communication & Collaboration for All Staff

• Effective communication with technical staff, engineers, and vendors
• Importance of accurate documentation and ticketing systems
• Cross-functional teamwork in a data center environment
• Clear reporting of issues and observations
• Building a collaborative and safety-conscious culture

Module 13. Practical Walkthrough & Checklists

• Guided virtual tour (or actual if available) of a data center
• Checklists for daily walk-throughs and basic inspections
• Identifying common points of failure or concern
• Hands-on exercises for safe equipment handling (non-technical)

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.