The Looming Skills Crisis Threatening the AI Data Center Boom
By 2035, the United States could need a staggering 106 gigawatts of power to fuel the burgeoning AI industry – a 36% increase over previous estimates. But this explosive growth isn’t just about megawatts; it’s about people. A critical shortage of skilled labor, from electrical engineers to construction specialists, is rapidly emerging as the biggest threat to realizing the full potential of the AI revolution.
The Expanding Gap: Demand Outstrips Supply
The demand for talent across the data center ecosystem is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Applied Digital’s COO, Laura Laltrello, notes her company is widening its recruitment net, actively seeking expertise from sectors like nuclear energy, the military, and aerospace. “Expertise doesn’t have to come from a data center background,” she says, highlighting the desperation to fill critical roles. This isn’t limited to engineering; the Association for Computer Operations and Management (AFCOM) reports that 58% of data center managers identify multi-skilled data center operators as the top area of growth, with 50% citing increasing demand for data center engineers.
Beyond Engineers: A Multi-Layered Shortage
While engineers are in high demand, the problem extends far beyond that single profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 400,000 additional construction workers will be needed by 2033, with significant needs in power infrastructure, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC – all directly applicable to data center construction and operation. Specifically, roughly 17,500 electrical and electronics engineers will be required. This isn’t simply a numbers game; it’s about the timing. As Bill Kleyman, CEO of AI infrastructure firm Apollo, explains, “Data centers are expanding at the same time that utilities, manufacturing, renewables, grid infrastructure, and construction are all competing for the same skilled labor pool, and AI is amplifying this pressure.”
The Pace of Construction: A Gigawatt-Scale Challenge
Developers like Lancium are already feeling the strain. CEO Michael McNamara states his company can currently build enough AI data center infrastructure to require one gigawatt of power per year. However, big tech firms are pushing for a ramp-up to one gigawatt per quarter, and ultimately, one gigawatt per month. Achieving this ambitious pace requires a workforce that simply doesn’t exist today. The Stargate project in Abilene, Texas, a massive campus for Oracle and OpenAI requiring 1.2 GW of power, exemplifies this challenge, with multiple buildings coming online in quick succession.
Specialized Skills in High Demand
The skills gap isn’t just about quantity; it’s about specialization. Matthew Hawkins, director of education for Uptime Institute, points to critical shortages in facility management professionals, high-voltage and power systems engineers, skilled HVAC technicians experienced in high-density or liquid cooling, and construction specialists proficient in complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) integration. Demand for each of these categories is rising faster than the supply can keep pace.
Addressing the Crisis: Education and Partnerships
Fortunately, the industry is responding. Technical colleges and applied education programs are emerging as key engines for workforce development, focusing on hands-on skills and real-world job readiness. Texas, a hotspot for data center construction, is seeing a proliferation of these programs, such as the Master of Science in Datacenter Systems Engineering at SMU Lyle School of Engineering and technician programs at Dallas College and Texas State Technical College. These programs blend electrical engineering, IT, facilities management, and cybersecurity to create a well-rounded skillset.
Industry-Led Initiatives
Beyond academia, vendors and industry associations are stepping up. Microsoft’s Datacenter Academy, Google’s support for IT training programs, and Amazon’s data center apprenticeships are all contributing to the pipeline of talent. Siemens’ Educates America program aims to train 200,000 electricians and electrical manufacturing workers by 2030, while organizations like NECA and SME offer specialized training programs. As Laltrello aptly puts it, “The best way to predict the future is to build it,” and that includes building a skilled workforce.
The AI data center boom is poised to reshape the digital landscape, but its success hinges on a proactive and sustained effort to address the looming skills crisis. Without a significant investment in education, training, and innovative recruitment strategies, the potential of AI could be severely constrained. What steps will your organization take to prepare for this evolving landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
