Licking County: A Hot Spot for Data Jobs
Big data means big business for many entities within Licking County, as well as across the globe, as data-related jobs take hold. In fact, the field of data science is exploding and is expected to be the third fastest-growing occupation by 2031, rising 20.8% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Here is a closer look at what’s happening with data jobs in Licking County.
Making Major Investments in Licking County
Microsoft is making a significant investment in the Licking County region, with plans to develop data center campuses in New Albany, Heath and Hebron. The initial phase of this project involves a $1 billion investment, says Annette Hamilton, Microsoft senior manager of communications, data centers.
“Site preparation, including grading and road building, is currently underway at our New Albany center site,” Hamilton says. “Preliminary site work at our Hebron and Heath data center locations will commence once we receive appropriate approvals from regional authorities.”
Specifically, the data center campuses in Licking County will support Microsoft’s Azure cloud services, contributing to the Licking County region’s digital infrastructure and creating hundreds of jobs.
Microsoft chose Licking County for several key reasons including:
- Skilled workforce: The Columbus metro region, which includes Licking County, boasts a highly skilled workforce, particularly in technology and related fields.
- Strong infrastructure: The area has robust infrastructure, including reliable power and connectivity, which are crucial for data center operations.
- Strategic location: Licking County’s location is strategically beneficial for serving both local and broader markets. Its proximity to major highways and transportation networks makes it an ideal hub.
- Community support: The local communities of New Albany, Heath and Hebron have been highly supportive and are welcoming Microsoft’s investment.
- Economic development: The investment aligns with regional economic development goals, promising job creation and long-term economic benefits.
“These factors combined make Licking County an attractive choice for Microsoft’s new data center campuses,” Hamilton says. “More broadly, the data center industry is experiencing significant growth, which is expected to continue in the coming years.”
In 2017, Meta, parent of Facebook and Instagram, began constructing a data center in New Albany, resulting in over 300 operations jobs. Additionally, since 2019, Meta has provided over 100 grants and sponsorships to the Licking County community and over $5.5 million in direct funding to schools and nonprofits in Licking and Franklin counties.
Denison University: A Workforce Pipeline
Higher education in the region is also embracing Licking County’s data-rich environment. In 2016, Denison University in Granville became one of the first liberal arts colleges in the nation to establish a data analytics major.
“Over the past three years, the number of applicants and students enrolling at Denison who have indicated an interest in data analytics has doubled,” says Meg Huston Ulsh, vice president for enrollment management at Denison. “The major is in our top 10 most popular academic programs for enrolling students.”
The university says by engaging in active learning on interdisciplinary projects – with an emphasis on problem solving, communication and teamwork – students learn how to be good citizens in a rapidly changing, data-centric world. Denison’s efforts are reflective of a global environment that is teeming with data and the ongoing need for professionals who can predict outcomes in data-rich environments.
The university also plans to further invest in Licking County’s prominence as a data analytics hub by launching the Center for Data Reasoning & Visualization at Denison in 2026.
“This center’s new home will be historic Doane Hall, which will undergo a complete renovation and expansion,” says Raj Bellani, vice president and chief of staff, executive director of the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration at Denison University. “The center’s location in the heart of campus and integration of data studies across many of our programs will expose students to data studies from every angle, making Denison’s students more competitive for top internships and jobs.”
Prepare for Success at COTC
Students who attend Central Ohio Technical College have access to 50 areas of study, including business, nursing, firefighting and engineering. COTC is also known for its information technology curriculum, and its IT offerings continue to expand as global technology moves forward.
“We have met with significant players in the IT sector, and COTC is expanding our information technology curriculum even more to get IT students ready for whatever will be on the horizon – five to 10 years in advance,” says Dr. John Berry, COTC president.
Berry says COTC students with IT training are becoming even more important to the area workforce, especially with the October 2024 announcement that Microsoft will invest $1 billion to build three data center campuses in Licking County.
“There are companies in all industries nowadays that need IT specialists who are well-trained in programming, design, development, support and cybersecurity elements,” he says. “For example, high-profile area companies such as Intel (semiconductors), Illuminate USA (solar panels), Amgen (biotech) and Licking Memorial Health Systems (health care) all have important aspects of information technology connected to what they do.”
Berry adds that COTC often helps IT students find jobs with area employers and also assists with internship opportunities.
“Two-year colleges like ours are in a renaissance time because we train students to enter their career network in a quick and robust manner,” he says. “Our students are very employable because COTC provides the strong training that students need to keep advancing in their careers and lives.”
– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.
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