Per Scholas Launches First-Ever Critical Infrastructure Training Cohort in Collaboration with Microsoft to Build the Next Generation of Data Center Talent

NEW YORK, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Per Scholas today announced a new collaboration with Microsoft to launch its first-ever Critical Infrastructure cohort, a 15-week, intensive training program designed to prepare learners for high-demand roles supporting the systems that power today's digital economy.

The inaugural Critical Facilities Technician Training in Atlanta, powered by Microsoft, will equip learners with the technical and operational skills needed to maintain and protect mission-critical infrastructure across data centers and advanced IT environments.

"Over the last several years, we've seen firsthand that the growth of data centers and AI infrastructure is outpacing traditional hiring pathways," said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas. "This partnership with Microsoft is about building something fundamentally different—a dedicated, demand-driven talent pipeline that prepares individuals to step into mission-critical environments with the skills, discipline, and confidence to contribute on day one."

"The expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure is transforming how we think about workforce readiness," said Mike Egan, General Manager, Microsoft TechSpark. "By working with Per Scholas to co-design this program, we're helping ensure students are equipped with the skills that lead to direct careers and are working together to build a talent pipeline and create opportunity for people locally."

Building Job-Ready Critical Infrastructure Talent

The Atlanta-based cohort will run for 15 weeks, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, beginning June 22, 2026. Delivered live and instructor-led, the program is designed for individuals with no prior experience.

Through more than 400 hours of immersive, hands-on training, learners will develop the skills required to operate and maintain critical electrical, mechanical, and control systems in high-reliability environments. Participants will gain experience in:

• Mission-Critical Operations: Maintaining continuous uptime across electrical, cooling, and control systems
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnosing faults in systems such as UPS, ATS, and cooling infrastructure using alarm data and root-cause methodologies
• Standard Operating Procedures: Executing SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs to safely manage maintenance, incidents, and emergency response
• Systems Analysis: Interpreting sensor data, system logs, and performance trends to identify risks and inefficiencies
• Technical Communication: Producing shift logs, incident reports, and coordinating across teams and vendors in 24/7 environments

Learners will also train on industry-relevant systems and tools, including building management systems, HVAC infrastructure, electrical distribution, and backup power systems such as generators and UPS.

In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes professional readiness and AI-supported problem-solving, preparing graduates to think critically, communicate effectively, and operate with discipline in high-stakes environments. Participants will earn industry-recognized certifications, including:

• EPA 608
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
• NFPA 70E

From Training to a Scalable Workforce Pipeline

This collaboration builds on Per Scholas' proven model of delivering employer-aligned training at scale. In the past three years alone, the organization has trained more than 500 data center technicians, many of whom are now working in mission-critical environments, including Microsoft data centers.

By co-designing curriculum with Microsoft and aligning training directly to real-world job requirements, the program creates a predictable, repeatable pipeline of talent—reducing hiring friction and accelerating time to productivity.

"This is not about a single cohort," Murrey added. "It's about building a long-term, scalable solution that meets the growing demand for critical infrastructure talent—starting in Atlanta and expanding nationwide."

About Per Scholas

As Per Scholas celebrates 30 years of impact, we are charting an ambitious path forward—aiming to train and upskill 25,000 technologists annually by 2030, expanding access to high-growth tech careers and fostering economic mobility nationwide. Since 1995, we've offered no-cost tech training to more than 30,000 technologists in the most sought-after tech skills, generating over $35 billion in increased personal earnings. On average, our learners earn 3x their pre-training wage in their first role after Per Scholas. With 25 campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers—from Fortune 500 companies to startups—to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, and Software Engineering. More than half of our learners hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. We are building a future where successful careers in tech are accessible to everyone across urban, suburban, and rural communities, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Per Scholas Media Contact
Mackenzie Loewen
[email protected]
(480) 528-1536

SOURCE Per Scholas