The AI boom makes skilled workers like electricians, carpenters, and welders the backbone of tech expansion. As a result, the big names building data centers are collectively committing more than $265 million on electricians, carpenters, and other construction workers. Demand for skilled trade positions has grown nearly 30% over the last three years, outpacing typical commercial roles. The NY Times reported that big tech has committed $265 million to recruit and train electricians, carpenters, and other construction workers building data centers. As one industry report put it, “A finished data center takes way fewer workers to run than to build.”