Big Tech Bets on Trades Training to Power AI Data Centers

Google is committing $50 million to skilled-trades training across the U.S. for data-center construction (electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.), while Meta is launching a $250 million program to train Americans for data-center jobs. The moves underscore a blue-collar labor shortage that tech giants say could throttle AI infrastructure growth, with partnerships intended to build a national pipeline of workers like electricians and pipe fitters. Industry groups estimate hundreds of thousands of tradespeople are needed this year, and although training programs are expanding, some communities remain wary of new data-center projects.