Ivy Tech and AWS Celebrate First Nine Graduates of Data Center Engineering Operations Training

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine Amazon Web Services (AWS) employees are celebrating a significant professional milestone as the first cohort to complete the Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) training program at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend–Elkhart. The graduates completed 24 Saturdays of specialized training between March and October 2026, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth while helping build the skilled workforce needed to support the region’s rapidly expanding data center industry.

The partnership was made possible through Amazon Career Choice, Amazon's education benefit that pre-pays tuition for eligible employees pursuing in-demand skills and credentials.  This creates opportunities for career advancement in a high-demand technical field. The program represents a collaboration between Ivy Tech and AWS to develop local talent, strengthen the regional workforce, and create pathways for employees to advance into increasingly technical roles within data center operations.

Investing in Employees and Building Career Pathways

For these nine graduates, completing the program required dedication beyond their regular work schedules. Over eight months, they attended Saturday training sessions focused on developing the technical knowledge and competencies needed in data center engineering operations. The training supports career advancement by strengthening skills relevant to maintaining and operating the critical infrastructure that powers cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies.

“These nine graduates represent exactly what is possible when education and industry work together to invest in people,” said Patrick Englert, Chancellor of Ivy Tech South Bend–Elkhart. “They committed 24 Saturdays to developing new technical skills while continuing their careers at AWS. Their accomplishment demonstrates the value of providing working adults with accessible opportunities to advance professionally. We are proud to partner with AWS to build the talent pipeline needed to support one of our region’s fastest-growing industries.”

"The technology we rely on every day, from online banking to streaming a show or staying connected with friends and family, depends on skilled people to build and run it. The need for that talent is only increasing,” said Mike Berman, Director, Economic and Workforce Development, Amazon Web Services.  “Through our partnership with Ivy Tech, we're able to provide training that helps people build on in-demand skills and advance their careers. These nine graduates are a great example of what's possible when you give people the opportunity to learn and succeed."

One of the nine graduates previously participated in AWS’s initial Infrastructure to Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA) program, delivered in partnership with Ivy Tech. The individual’s progression from pre-apprenticeship training to DCEO completion illustrates how intentional workforce pathways can help employees build skills over time and pursue new career opportunities.

Responding to a Growing Demand for Skilled Workers

The demand for workers with specialized technical skills continues to grow as companies invest billions of dollars in data centers throughout Indiana and across the United States. AWS announced an $11 billion investment in northern Indiana data center infrastructure in 2024, expected to create at least 1,000 jobs. A further $15 billion investment was announced in 2025, with an additional 1,100 jobs projected. These are announced employment projections, not verified hires.

Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in computing infrastructure, data processing, web hosting, and related services to grow 20.3% from 2024 to 2034. Data centers require more than information technology professionals: their operations depend on skilled technicians and engineering operations personnel who maintain essential infrastructure, ensure reliability, and support continuous operations.

“Workforce development is not just about preparing people for their first job. It is also about helping current employees gain the skills they need for the next opportunity,” said Englert. “AWS’s investment in these employees demonstrates a commitment to building careers, not simply filling positions. That approach benefits employees, employers, and our entire regional economy.”

Strengthening a Regional Workforce Partnership

The DCEO program builds upon a growing relationship between Ivy Tech and AWS focused on workforce readiness, technical education, and career development. Previous collaborative training initiatives have included fiber-optic fusion splicing, Infrastructure to Workforce programming for educators, and the I2PA pre-apprenticeship initiative. Together, these programs introduce individuals to data center careers, strengthen the regional talent pipeline, and provide opportunities for continued professional development.

Celebrating the First Graduates

As the first cohort to complete the DCEO training program, these nine AWS employees have established a foundation for future participants. Their achievement reflects the value of continued learning, employer-supported education, and growing opportunities in northern Indiana’s technology-driven economy.

Nine graduates. Twenty-four Saturdays. One investment in the future of northern Indiana’s workforce.