Global demand for AI is pushing big tech companies to build new data centres, and that construction wave is driving a sharp rise in demand for skilled trades such as plumbers, electricians and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians. In the United States, BlackRock has announced a US$100 million initiative to address urgent workforce shortages by expanding access to training.
AI data centres are boosting demand for electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians
Jobs like plumber, electrician and HVAC technician are not only comparatively insulated from AI-driven automation; they are also becoming more sought-after as the AI arms race accelerates. The reason is straightforward: meeting worldwide appetite for AI requires vast new computing capacity, which in turn means building more data centres-projects that depend heavily on electrical work, cooling systems, pipework and on-site installation expertise.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Jensen Huang, Chief Executive of Nvidia, said the world is currently experiencing “the greatest deployment of infrastructure in the history of humanity”-a shift he argued will create substantial employment.
US labour market projections reflect that momentum. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for electricians will grow by 9% between 2024 and 2034, outpacing the average growth rate across all occupations.
BlackRock puts US$100 million on the table to tackle labour shortages
Against a backdrop of historically high infrastructure demand in the United States, BlackRock has launched a US$100 million philanthropic programme designed to help close the skills gap.
According to Larry Fink, the asset manager’s chief executive, the United States will require roughly US$10 trillion in infrastructure investment by 2033 to upgrade ageing systems and build new energy, digital and AI infrastructure. BlackRock says the funds will be channelled through partner organisations to make specialist training easier to access and to respond to immediate workforce needs.
BlackRock also expects US employment in infrastructure-linked trades-such as electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers and ironworkers-to rise by more than 5% over the next decade, compared with a 3% national average across roles.
Training, apprenticeships and faster pathways into the trades
A key constraint is not the lack of work, but the speed at which new entrants can be trained to industry standards. Short, targeted courses can help people move into entry-level roles more quickly, while apprenticeships remain critical for building long-term capability in complex areas such as high-voltage electrical systems, industrial cooling, and the safety requirements typical of large data centre sites.
For employers and training providers, the challenge is to scale capacity without diluting quality-combining classroom learning with supervised site experience so new electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians can meet compliance expectations and work safely on mission-critical infrastructure.
Why data centre build-outs intensify pressure on energy and cooling skills
Modern AI data centres concentrate enormous computing power in relatively compact spaces, increasing demand for robust power distribution and sophisticated cooling. That translates into additional work for electricians installing switchgear and backup systems, and for HVAC specialists designing and maintaining cooling plant that can operate reliably under continuous load.
At the same time, connecting new facilities to the grid and improving efficiency often requires upgrades beyond the data centre itself-reinforcing the need for a broad pipeline of skilled labour across multiple infrastructure trades.
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