Meta Platforms and CBRE have announced the launch of LevelUp, a multi-year workforce development programme aimed at recruiting and training thousands of fibre technicians to support the construction of data centres across the United States.
The initiative will see CBRE establish and operate a network of training centres nationwide, with the first locations set to open this summer. Graduates of the programme will have the opportunity to work on Meta’s data centre construction projects through its contractor network.
The programme is designed to address a growing skills shortage in fibre and technical infrastructure roles, as demand accelerates for data centres supporting artificial intelligence and digital services.
CBRE will train participants in the installation of fibre-optic cabling, network equipment and other critical infrastructure required for modern data centre environments. The curriculum has been developed to provide transferable skills applicable across both construction and digital infrastructure sectors.
“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. Meta is proud to invest in technician training to support our ambitious infrastructure goals,” said Dina Powell McCormick, Meta’s President and Vice Chairman.
The programme is also positioned as an entry point for individuals seeking careers in skilled trades, including recent school leavers and those looking to transition into new roles. Participants will gain access to career pathways offering competitive earning potential within a rapidly expanding sector.
CBRE, which provides end-to-end services across the data centre lifecycle, will leverage its expertise in design, construction and operations to deliver the training.
“We are excited to build upon our longstanding partnership with Meta,” said Bob Sulentic, CBRE Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
Meta currently has 27 data centres either operational or under construction in the U.S., with additional projects in development. Since 2010, its data centre investments have supported more than 30,000 skilled trade jobs and 5,000 operational roles.
The LevelUp programme reflects a broader industry push to scale workforce capacity in line with growing infrastructure demands, as organisations invest heavily in the systems required to support AI, cloud computing and digital transformation.
