We’re excited to share our #ExcoolSuccessStories series, designed to shine a light on the infinite possibilities available within the data center industry through the career journeys of some of our exceptional colleagues.
A career in digital infrastructure doesn’t follow a single trajectory. There are lots of ways to join, whether that’s as a graduate, an apprentice, or even through transferable skills from previous jobs and experience.
We hope to inspire future talent to consider a career in the data center industry, from engineering, construction, technology to operations.
To kick us off, we’re starting strong with James Duffy, our Chief Technology Officer, who joined Excool as an apprentice.
Here’s James’ story:
“After finishing school, I got my first job at Waitrose to start making an income and build up my experience.
I then joined Worcester College of Technology, where I did Music Technology at Level 3. Once I’d finished that, I enrolled in Level 3 in Electrical/Electronics. It was during this time that I joined Excool as an Electrical Apprentice while completing my Levels 3 and 4 in Electrical/Electronics.
When I joined, I was immediately encouraged to follow my interests. Throughout my apprenticeship, I learned many new skills, working on electrical design and installation, commissioning, and PLC strategy, and even becoming more client-facing. Across my career at Excool, there isn’t much that I haven’t tried or gotten involved in.
Following my apprenticeship, I joined Excool as a Systems and Controls Engineer, moving up to a management role, a New Technologies Specialist, Associate Director, Technical Director, and up to my current role as Chief Technology Officer.
As Chief Technology Officer, I’ve become one of the company’s key decision-makers, overseeing all technical matters, supporting product development, and leading the Technical Support team.
From apprentice to director, my career demonstrates that at the right company, you get out what you put in. Get outside of your comfort zone, never turn down an opportunity to learn something new, and don’t shy away from a challenge. That’s how you grow.
If you do that, anything is possible!”
