Uptime Institute launches a website today (veterans.uptimeinstitute.com) to connect military veterans with career opportunities in the data center industry. It is a cornerstone of the

Uptime Institute Veterans Initiative, and provides data center career information, resources, and job listings. Veterans and reservists face higher than average unemployment as they transition from military to civilian careers.

At the same time, the data center industry has a growing personnel shortage due to rapid industry growth of 15% per year and the aging of its current workforce.

The skills and discipline veterans develop during military training and service are highly relevant in the data center industry, where 24x7 operations and mission critical environments are the norm.

Career pathways include facilities engineering, information technology, and operations management.

Uptime Institute and its North American Network, representing leading industry firms, are coordinating with the U.S. Department of Defense on this Initiative.

“Our goal is to see 500 veterans placed in data center roles by the end of 2014, and an exponential increase  in the coming years.” says Lee Kirby, Retired Army Colonel and Uptime Institute Chief Technology Officer.

“We can make a significant difference for both the future of this critical industry and in the lives of those men and women who have served our nation.”

Veterans, active duty service, or reservist interested in learning more about civilian career opportunities in the data center industry should visit veterans.uptimeinstitute.com for information.

Organizations interested in attracting veterans to fill data center talent needs should email veterans@uptimeinstitute.com.