Earlier this year, the White House convened leaders from AI companies, data center operators, utility companies, and hyperscalers for a roundtable discussion of the most critical imperative of our time: ensuring America’s continued leadership on AI.
Developing the infrastructure needed for AI – including building more data centers and scaling energy production to meet demand – is vital to America’s economic prosperity and national security. Leaders agreed that it’s equally important that AI is developed to create opportunities for American workers rather than simply automating work.
I’ve seen firsthand how the AI boom creates safe, meaningful, and well-paid construction jobs. But a shortage of skilled workers threatens the industry’s progress.
Let’s dig into what’s driving this shortage.
So, what’s the solution here?
Adopting more efficient technologies like modular construction and automation can improve productivity for construction workers, creating a better, safer working environment for employees. With more predictability and a systematic approach to construction, workers can benefit from more regular working hours, making the job more desirable.
In addition to creating an environment that is more welcoming to a diverse workforce, the industry must also invest in upskilling today’s construction workers and foster bidirectional mentorship that values the knowledge of more experienced and fresh generations. Only then will we gain the skill sets needed for the changing nature of our work.
At the White House roundtable, many leaders called for accelerating the permitting process for new data centers and the energy infrastructure required for AI. While I join them, I also urge our industry to consider how we will meet the demand for skilled workers if this acceleration occurs. By investing in upskilling and mentorship programs and broadening the pool of talent we recruit from, we can rise to the occasion.