Overview
- Speaking at the Axios AI+DC Summit on Wednesday, Meta president Dina Powell McCormick said the U.S. will need a “whole new workforce” within two years to stay competitive in artificial intelligence.
- She estimated roughly 500,000 electricians will be needed to wire new data centers and expand the power systems that run them.
- The buildout ties to Meta Compute, launched in January to scale the company’s AI infrastructure, with McCormick tasked to forge partnerships with governments and sovereign funds to secure sites, power, and permits.
- Her remarks followed two courtroom setbacks for Meta, including a Los Angeles jury’s $3 million award that puts 70% of the liability on Meta and a separate $375 million New Mexico judgment, both now under appeal.
- Executives beyond Meta have flagged the same shift, noting that the AI surge is raising demand for trades that construct and power data centers, which could drive more apprenticeship slots and utility partnerships.