Drogheda Institute of Further Education’s Data Centre Technician programme, developed in collaboration with Amazon, has won Best Industry/Business - Academic Collaboration at the prestigious Education Awards 2025.

Drogheda Institute (DIFE) was honoured with this distinguished award, prevailing over strong competition from the higher education university sector. The award recognises the transformative impact of the programme, which combines high-quality technical education with real-world industry experience to open doors for learners into one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors — the global data centre industry.

“The success of this programme is rooted in collaboration,” said Davy Mc Donnell, Principal of DIFE. “It shows what is possible when partnership, ambition, and innovation are combined with on-the-job learning. Together with Amazon, we are creating lifechanging opportunities for learners in the region— from those re-entering the workforce to individuals from underrepresented groups seeking a career in tech.”

As part of the collaboration, DIFE and Amazon launched a bursary initiative, enabling successful course participants to complete the programme free of fees. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring that careerchanging education is accessible to all. Students also benefit from a 14-week paid industry placement, providing vital hands-on experience and a direct pathway into roles as data centre technicians. This work-based component not only enhances technical proficiency but prepares graduates to thrive in real-world data centre operations.

Recognising the growing demand for skilled talent in the sector, DIFE and Amazon expanded the programme in 2024, increasing capacity to support 22 learners for the 2024/25 academic year. This expansion reflects the programme’s growing success and the national need for skilled data centre professionals.

Joanne Reynolds, Amazon Regional Community Engagement Manager stated that the “partnership not only empowers learners in the local community in Drogheda but also supports Amazon in meeting its talent and training needs at both national and global levels”. She continued that the “pioneering programme was a game changer with many successful graduates thriving in their roles within Amazon.” The programme exemplifies how education and industry can unite to build a pipeline of work-ready, career-focused graduates who are ready to thrive in Ireland’s fast-growing tech economy.

DIFE and Amazon are excited to continue building on the success of the Data Centre Technician programme with plans progressing for the 2025 intake, with a focus on expanding opportunities, deepening industry engagement, and preparing further learners to launch fulfilling careers in the tech sector. Together, DIFE and Amazon remain committed to developing a talent pipeline that delivers real results for students, the local economy, and the global digital infrastructure industry. Applications will open in September 2025 for the programme via the college website www.dife.ie