As the demand for data centers to power the AI boom keeps climbing, the Associated Builders and Contractors of America has teamed up with Meta to provide job training and job placement for those interested in working on the centers’ construction.
The new America’s Workforce Academy got a $115 million first-year investment from Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram and also a major player in the AI race.
Those accepted to the academy, which is operated by CBRE, undergo five weeks of training. After that, they get a job offer from contractors working on Meta construction projects, according to ABC. The goal is to fill thousands of positions.
“This is the first guaranteed-employment training pipeline connecting Americans to artificial intelligence infrastructure jobs, which include electrical, mechanical, plumbing and piping,” ABC says. “It is also the largest private-sector commitment to the skilled trades with a job guarantee in American history.”
No prior trade experience is required, and it is open to job seekers from all 50 states. The program also seeks veterans and transitioning service members, people with all educational backgrounds and career changers.
Those interested in the free program apply online. The academy provides scholarships, travel, housing and stipends for living expenses to qualified job seekers. The five-week program involves hands-on education in core and craft training through an accelerated process developed by ABC.
Those who finish the program start work on data center construction, but it could also lead to other careers in the construction industry, the association says.
“These new entrants may be beginning their careers on data center projects but by learning multiple competencies, are starting a life-long career in construction with near limitless possibilities,” ABC says.
The program will first launch as a pilot at ABC chapter training centers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis and Houston. The program uses the curriculum and credential system of the National Center for Construction Education and Research. ABC provides instructors, classrooms, labs and tools.
The training will provide general orientation, safety and basic construction knowledge as well as an introduction to the most prevalent systems found in a data center, such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fiber connectivity systems. The training also includes OSHA certifications, construction math and drawing, material handling and rigging skills.
Graduates are not obligated to remain with Meta's contractor partners, and they keep the credentials they earn, according to ABC.
Those interested in applying to America’s Workforce Academy can do so at abc.org.
