Meta Platforms and commercial‑real‑estate firm CBRE have announced a multiyear training initiative, LevelUp, that will recruit and train thousands of fiber‑optic technicians to support Meta’s U.S. data‑center construction. The program will open training centers across the country beginning this summer, with graduates eligible to work on Meta sites through its contractor network.
The initiative addresses a growing shortage of skilled fiber technicians—estimated at roughly 58,000 workers nationwide—that has slowed broadband expansion and data‑center projects. By creating a pipeline of qualified technicians, Meta aims to accelerate the deployment of its AI compute facilities and reduce construction bottlenecks. Meta currently operates or has under construction 27 data centers in the United States, with additional sites in planning stages, and the company has said that its data‑center projects have supported more than 45,000 skilled‑trade jobs during construction and created over 6,000 permanent operational roles.
"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," said Dina Powell McCormick, Meta’s President and Vice Chairman. "Meta is proud to invest in technician training to support our ambitious infrastructure goals." Bob Sulentic, CBRE’s Chair and CEO, added, "We are excited to build upon our longstanding partnership with Meta. 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 aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to secure reliable power and network connectivity for its AI workloads, complementing recent agreements with energy and storage partners. Meta has secured long‑term nuclear power contracts with companies such as TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra, and a 20‑year agreement with Constellation Energy, underscoring its commitment to sustainable, high‑capacity energy for data‑center operations. The training initiative also comes amid Meta’s significant restructuring, which includes layoffs of up to 20% of its workforce, highlighting a dual focus on efficiency and strategic investment in critical infrastructure.
By investing in workforce development, Meta mitigates labor‑market risks that could delay its AI‑driven data‑center buildout. The program demonstrates proactive planning to overcome a national shortage that could otherwise push back project timelines and increase labor costs. For CBRE, the partnership expands its portfolio in data‑center services and positions the firm as a key player in the growing AI infrastructure ecosystem.
The LevelUp program is expected to launch training centers this summer, with the first cohort of technicians slated to graduate in late 2026. Graduates will be eligible to work on Meta sites, providing a steady supply of skilled labor for the company’s expanding data‑center footprint and reinforcing Meta’s strategy to build a resilient, high‑capacity AI infrastructure in the United States.
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