Management consulting firm McKinsey & Company says by 20230, global spending on AI data centers may hit $7 trillion and some of the spending will happen here in Florida.
Ed Brady, President & CEO of the Home Builders Institute says states like Florida need to be ready for one of the biggest economic challenges facing both big tech and real estate, and that is workforce capacity.
With major tech players like Google backing skilled trades training, workforce development has officially become a core prerequisite for both US technology infrastructure and housing supply.
That’s why Google just announced a $1 million dollar investment in the Home Builders Institute to address the work shortages that are occurring in getting the data centers built.
Brady says the data centers can’t be built or solve the housing crisis without expanding the skilled trade talent pool.
“Google’s money will allow us to scale, give our service men and women the opportunity… give them a credential and introduce them to the industry.”
Brady lists several concerns that need to be addressed,
The AI Infrastructure Surge: How rapid data-center expansion is driving up competition for electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers.
The Housing Shortage Risk: Why poaching workers from residential home building for tech projects will only worsen America’s housing supply deficit.
Expanding the Pie: Why accelerated training, pre-apprenticeship certifications, and veteran programs are the only long-term solutions to grow the overall trade workforce.
Realtor.com reports the Associated Builders and Contractors says that nationwide, there is a need for 349,000 new workers to meet demand this year, and another 456,000 net new workers next year because of the high volume of construction spending.
