Meta’s American Workforce Academy happens in Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The demand for a skilled workforce is growing as data center development expands across Indiana and the country. That’s where America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) by Meta comes in. America’s Workforce Acade my is a $115 million investment by Meta to train thousands of workers for AI infrastructure jobs. “They learn how to read a tape measure,” Facility Manager Timothy Sutt said. “They learn how to wear PPE [personal protective equipment]. We issue them PPE. They walk through different phases of the data farm. They pull wire. They land wire. They hook their J45s. They do everything from beginning to end,” Participants don’t need any experience in the field. Each cohort’s expenses, including tuition, airfare, and lodging, are covered by Meta. Cohorts are also provided with a daily stipend during the four-week program. “Their only concern that they have is making sure that they’re here and studying and learning the program so that when they finish the four weeks, they are going to hit the ground running and be successful,” Johnston Wilson, a trainer, said. Thursday, the program celebrated a milestone with its first graduating class in the country with more than 55 students, including Ethan Blake, who is heading to Aurora, IL, after graduation. “We’re pioneers in a way, and we’re just kinda shepherding the new work force in a way,” Blake said. “And I’m grateful to be here and grateful to be a part of the team.” Eboni Powers is graduating next week and is heading to Cheyenne, WY, after graduation. She saw this program as a way to get in on the ground floor of the tech world. “Seeing where things are going in the trend that will be the shift in our whole ecosystem. That was the deciding factor that this is where I want to be,” Powers said. Along with Baton Rouge, LA, Houston, TX, and Columbus, OH, Indianapolis is one of the four training center pilot locations in the U.S. Meta’s other investments in the Hoosier State include data centers in Lebanon and Jeffersonville. Sutt believes programs like these will only strengthen Indiana’s work force. “This is a big thing for Indiana,” he said. “You get local people coming through here, learning this stuff, staying here and doing some of their jobs here. You couldn’t ask for anything more.” You can learn more about America’s Workforce Academy or apply by clicking here. ...read more read less