Atlanta-based Equifax, the giant credit reporting agency and information technology company, today announced the opening of a Global IT Talent Center at Auburn University to boost its pipeline of information technology professionals.
The multimillion-dollar investment in the Auburn talent center will create between 40 and 45 positions initially, with the potential for that number to grow to 150 in the next two to three years, Equifax said. The center’s employees will focus on developing automation and global platform services for Equifax’s worldwide operations.
“This new high-tech facility is a creative solution that combines Auburn University’s growing reputation as an information technology hub and Equifax’s increasing demand for superior IT talent,” said Dave Webb, Equifax’s chief information officer. “With the U.S. Commerce Department reporting a shortage of 750,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics employees in 2015, we believe it’s vital for Equifax to invest in developing young talent to their fullest potential.”
‘IMPORTANT INVESTMENT’
Equifax’s announcement took place this morning at the Auburn University Regional Airport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Governor Robert Bentley, university leadership and others.
“The Auburn Equifax Center is an important investment in our state and in Auburn University,” Governor Bentley said. “We have positioned our state to create high-tech jobs that support a global economy. With Auburn University’s growing high tech programs and the dedicated workforce in Lee County, the Auburn Equifax Center will be a successful facility for years to come.”
The company said the talent center will give Auburn IT students and graduates highly attractive job opportunities. A similar facility will be announced in Western Europe.
Equifax said it teamed with Auburn University in part because of the school’s growing IT pedigree. Auburn University is ranked as a Carnegie Foundation University with high research activity and excellent programs in business, software development, and engineering degrees.
“Our objective is to develop our students to become the top talent entering the workforce,” said Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “The investment by world-class companies like Equifax is validation of our direction and efforts.”
Earlier this year, Auburn entered into another significant partnership – an alliance with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to advance 3-D printing technologies.
