Google To Train 25,000 Veterans in Skilled Construction Trades Amid Data Center Boom

The charitable arm of Google is providing a "seven-figure" commitment to train 25,000 new skilled trades workers amid the shortage of construction workers.Google.org will support the Home Builders Institute, Hiring Our Heroes, and Student Veterans of America to offer pre-apprenticeships, career coaching, and job placement work. It could be the first step in a continuing relationship, Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute, tells Realtor.com®. His organization is getting $1 million from Google.Google is one of the major customers of the nationwide data center buildout, which has been at times controversial. McKinsey estimates the industry will pour $7 trillion into infrastructure by 2030. Experts say that will create major demand for skilled trades workers. The homebuilding industry already has a shortage of construction skills, but Brady says the commitment will help the whole building world."I think it gives validity to high tech that this is a major issue in this country," Brady tells Realtor.com. "We need skilled labor. Helping this population of veterans is really impactful, and it promotes the idea that the residential construction business is an economic driver."Google ...