On Monday, Meta Inc. introduced a new initiative aimed at swiftly placing American workers in skilled trade jobs related to AI infrastructure.
The program, dubbed America’s Workforce Academy (AWA), is backed by a $115 million investment and offers free training to help Americans secure skilled positions in the growing field of artificial intelligence. According to Meta’s announcement, participants can expect training for roles such as welders, electricians, plumbers, and textile technicians.
A spokesperson mentioned that the AWA ensures job placement for its graduates, providing them with National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentials and American Workforce Certificates. These credentials are recognized in various industries, enhancing workers’ job prospects.
Mehta referred to AWA as “the largest private sector commitment to job-guaranteed skilled trades in American history,” highlighting the program’s significance.
The initiative is described as a considerable investment in American workers. Mehta stated, “Companies are investing directly in the industry, avoiding government programs or benefits, due to the high demand for these skills and the willingness of many Americans to take on these jobs.”
This project follows the success of Meta’s previous effort, the LevelUp Fiber Installation Training Program, which gained rapid traction and attracted 35,000 applications shortly after its announcement.
In collaboration with CBRE, a prominent real estate and investment firm, the AWA offers a free four-week training designed to prepare participants for work as fiber technicians. The training encompasses both practical laboratory work and classroom discussions, with CBRE acting as the primary program manager.
As part of the initial rollout, Meta plans to pilot the AWA in Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, and Indiana. They are also aligning with various organizations, including the National Urban League and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to broaden outreach and participation.
The training spans four to five weeks, covering essential skills like safety, construction mathematics, and rigging. Participants will learn about the systems used in data centers, encompassing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fiber connectivity components.
Mehta described the training as a “boot camp” aimed at equipping candidates for real-world challenges, allowing them to explore various career paths before choosing their area of specialization.
Dina Powell McCormick, Meta’s president and vice chair, emphasized the transformative potential of the AI revolution, suggesting it offers a rare chance to shape the future workforce. She pointed out that skilled labor has historically played a crucial role in America’s development and that a new wave of workers will now help build the infrastructure for the future.
Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, underscored the necessity of rethinking how new workers are trained to close America’s skills gap. He noted that AWA stands out by allowing workers to earn while they learn, eliminating tuition burdens and providing immediate employment guarantees.
Meta has reported involvement in or construction of 27 data centers across the U.S. as of April, which generated over 30,000 temporary skilled trade jobs and more than 5,000 long-term positions.
