Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 9: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced a major workforce development initiative aimed at preparing thousands of Americans for jobs supporting the country's rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The programme, named America's Workforce Academy (AWA), will be backed by a first-year investment of $115 million and will offer free training, paid learning opportunities, industry-recognised credentials and guaranteed job offers for successful participants.
Meta said the initiative builds on the success of its earlier LevelUp fibre technician training programme, which attracted more than 35,000 applications within a week of its launch.
Nationwide skilled-trades programme
America's Workforce Academy is designed to train workers for careers expected to remain in high demand as AI infrastructure continues to expand across the United States.
The programme is open to applicants from all 50 states, and no prior experience is required. Participants will receive a job offer before beginning their training and will be paid while completing their courses.
Meta said the initiative targets individuals seeking stable, long-term careers, including veterans, recent graduates, career changers and first-time entrants to skilled trades.
Focus on AI infrastructure jobs
Training will prepare participants for occupations critical to building and maintaining AI and digital infrastructure, including:
Electrical work
Mechanical systems
Plumbing
Fibre installation
Welding
Construction and technical trades
Graduates will receive industry-standard credentials intended to improve future employment prospects.
Training costs fully covered
One of the programme's key features is that participants will not be required to pay for training.
Meta said it will cover major expenses, including tuition fees, airfare, accommodation and daily stipends during the training period. The programme's operating partner will oversee the delivery of benefits and manage the training process.
Guaranteed employment pathway
Meta described AWA as the first guaranteed employment training pipeline specifically connecting workers to AI infrastructure jobs.
Under the programme, participants will secure employment opportunities before training begins, creating a direct pathway from skills development to the workforce.
Major organisations join initiative
The programme is being launched in partnership with several workforce and industry organisations.
National partners include:
National Urban League
Associated Builders and Contractors
CBRE
Community partners include:
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
STRIVE
Boone County Economic Development Corporation
Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce
Workforce Solutions Borderplex
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Commenting on the initiative, Dina Powell McCormick said the AI revolution presents both significant change and major opportunities, adding that a new generation of skilled workers will play a vital role in building the infrastructure needed for the next phase of technological growth.
Applications yet to open
Meta has not yet opened formal applications for the programme. However, interested candidates can register through the company's official sign-up portal to receive updates and notifications when applications become available.
The company said the initiative is expected to help address growing demand for skilled workers in sectors such as AI infrastructure, power generation, grid modernisation and data-centre construction.