Meta invests $115M in America’s Workforce Academy for skilled trades training

Meta is putting $115 million behind a bet that the biggest bottleneck in the AI race isn’t chips or capital. It’s people who can actually build the buildings. The company launched America’s Workforce Academy, a nationwide training program designed to turn veterans, recent graduates, and career changers into the electricians, welders, and construction workers needed to build the data centers powering artificial intelligence. Pilot programs are rolling out in Houston, Baton Rouge, Indianapolis, and Columbus, all cities where Meta already operates data center facilities. The workforce problem behind the AI boom Meta’s response is to fund training programs in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors, CBRE, the National Urban League, and local workforce organizations. The $115 million commitment represents the first year of funding and is being described as the largest private-sector investment in skilled trades that comes with a guaranteed job offer upon graduation. Graduates don’t just get a certificate and a handshake. They receive NCCER credentials, an America’s Workforce Certificate, and a guaranteed job offer from Meta’s construction partners. The program requires no p...