Fiber technicians are essential in developing data centers that bring technologies to life and support American AI. However, the fiber technician sector, along with the broader construction industry, is experiencing a national shortage at a time when the demand for data center projects is increasing. To address this, efforts are underway to expand the fiber technician workforce needed for constructing data centers and other projects.
Today, the LevelUp Fiber Technician Pathway is being launched: a complimentary, four-week training program aimed at preparing individuals for fiber technician roles nationwide. This multi-year initiative is in partnership with CBRE, a global real estate and critical infrastructure services firm, which will manage the program. The collaboration will provide participants with the technical skills necessary for high-demand fiber technician positions in both the construction and data center sectors.
This partnership with CBRE is part of a broader commitment to invest in America’s workforce and increase access to skilled trade opportunities. Dina Powell McCormick, Meta’s President and Vice Chairman, stated, “The future of the AI revolution depends on a highly skilled U.S. workforce — one that rises to the challenge of building and maintaining the complex systems that power innovation. Meta is proud to invest in technician training to support our ambitious infrastructure goals.”
The LevelUp curriculum includes classroom discussions, hands-on labs, and team activities, providing transferable skills to help trainees achieve their long-term career goals. Program graduates will have the chance to work at construction sites across the US through a contractor network. The construction and data center fields offer unique opportunities for both recent high school graduates and mid-career professionals seeking a change.
Meta currently operates or is constructing 27 data centers in the US. Since 2010, these projects have supported over 30,000 skilled trade jobs during construction and more than 5,000 permanent operational roles, such as site managers and engineers. The data center operations contribute billions of dollars annually to American businesses, from large employers like Corning, which manufactures fiber optic cables in the US, to subcontractors in states where data centers are being built.
Bob Sulentic, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of CBRE, expressed excitement about the ongoing partnership with Meta, stating, “We are committed to leveraging the full scope and expertise of CBRE to develop and train a skilled workforce that will support Meta in building out their infrastructure.”
The LevelUp program is part of a growing portfolio of community engagement initiatives, including the Data Center Community Action Grant Program, which offers direct funding to schools, nonprofits, and community organizations working on projects that benefit communities where data centers are located.
The first training cohorts for the program are anticipated to begin this summer. More information about the program and application process can be found on the Meta Newsroom website.
