Data centers face blue-collar gold rush for skilled trades

DataBank says the data center industry is facing a skilled labor shortage and is expanding recruitment, training, and local partnerships to secure talent.

• Main action: DataBank is investing in talent pipelines, workforce partnerships, and local training events (examples: an Atlanta career exploration event with nearly 20 young people; a Culpeper, VA partnership hosting 40 electrical students) to address a sector-wide shortage in skilled trades. The company cites concrete workforce metrics: a 2025 Deloitte survey finding 63% of data center executives report a shortage of skilled labor, and construction peak crew sizes rising from ~750 to 4,000+ on single campuses, with massive capacity activation expected in the second half of 2026 into 2027.
• Background/details: DataBank emphasizes broad sourcing strategies including military veterans, trade school partnerships, and early contractor commitments; it highlights the economics of trade pathways (example: an IBEW-trained worker can earn close to six figures after four years) and frames these programs as long-term investments and immediate operational priorities tied to near-term build schedules.