Forget Silicon Valley engineers. Meta is hunting for America’s next generation of trade workers

Artificial intelligence is now reshaping industries, it is also driving a massive boom in data centers and digital infrastructure across the United States. Now, Meta believes the future of AI will rely not just on software engineers, but also on skilled workers such as electricians, welders and fiber technicians who help build and maintain that infrastructure.

At a time when many companies are cutting jobs and trimming their workforce, Meta has launched America’s Workforce Academy (AWA), a free training program aimed at helping people prepare for these in-demand skilled trade roles that are becoming increasingly important in the AI era.