But as the building surge grows, demand for skilled electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, ironworkers and other craft workers accelerates amid an aging workforce. Over the next decade, employment in U.S. infrastructure–related skilled trades is projected to grow by more than 5%, on average, with some trades much higher, compared to the national average of 3%,

“Throughout our history, tradespeople have built our country,” said BlackRock CEO Larry Fink related to the investment. “America needs an estimated $10 trillion in infrastructure investment by 2033 to modernize aging systems and build new energy, digital and AI infrastructure. Capital alone is not enough—people are central to building our nation’s future.” 

The firm, through its foundation, said it aims to address urgent U.S. labor needs by connecting workers to skilled trades training, program completion and licensing—focusing on workforce development entities, both union and nonunion, including those run by federal, state and local governments, labor organizations, companies and nonprofits "to strengthen effective skilled trades programs and deliver these ... at scale." 

The status of selection of recipients and funding allotments was not disclosed.

Melissa Perkins, director of philanthropy and partnerships for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which provides training, certification and national verification services for 70 crafts, particularly for open shop construction, said it welcomes "the opportunity to partner with Black Rock to bring more people into the skilled trades and expand craft training opportunities." Added Lisa Strite, its chief learning officer, "we see AI as a tool that can strengthen craft training and credentialing—not replace the hands-on skills that define this industry. Our focus is preparing individuals to use emerging technologies effectively, while building the practical expertise the industry depends on."

BlackRock said it will announce added phases of Future Builders over the next 12 months. 

The Future Builders effort reflects that meeting America’s economic growth "requires both capital and people … to build and sustain the energy, digital and AI infrastructure" to power it” said Kenneth Cooper, international president of the electrical workers' union and David Long, CEO of the National Electrical Contractors Association, in a statemenr. They have a jointly administered apprenticeship program.

North America's Building Trades Unions also announced a new agreement with AI developer OpenAI to link its 14 craft unions to growing sector demand for data center infrastructure. While the statement does not address project labor agreements for company data centers or other projects, "OpenAI and NABTU will work together to help ensure that the construction of AI-related infrastructure supports union careers, strengthens union-registered apprenticeship programs, and creates economic opportunity in the communities where this infrastructure is built," it said. Through their alignment, the statement said, the two entities will engage on "policy development, project entitlement, workforce development, labor standards, project safety and the responsible expansion of infrastructure associated with artificial intelligence technologies."

OpenAI has also provided a $1.5-million, five-year funding commitment to TradesFutures, the building trades' national non-profit 501(c)3 pre-apprenticeship program launched with contractors in 2023 that now supports more than 270 training efforts in 34 states, director Marina Zhavoronkov told ENR. The early training "helps ensure workers are prepared for an industry being transformed by both artificial intelligence and the growing demands of energy construction," she said. The building trades says it "represents the largest pre-apprenticeship network in any domestic industry."

At Black Rock’s infrastructure summit held March 11 in Washington D.C., corporate, political and labor leaders emphasized the generational pull of AI. “We’re now in a world of astounding things you can do," said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. “When can a CEO not do the job without making heavy use of AI? I have never seen any other industry like this."

Although Altman separately faced grilling from members of Congress last week over domestic surveillance concerns in OpenAI's contracted work with the U.S. Defense Dept. and his firm and other developers face a recent uptick in states weighing legislation to pause or restrict data center construction, he also acknowledged at the conference that AI "is not popular in the U.S." 

But insisted the CEO: "If we fall behind and can’t catch up, and we can’t keep building infrastructure, there's a vulnerability. If we don't move as quickly as other countries, we will lose economic advantage. This is a once-in-many-generations opportunity."

A panel of construction executives also noted the unprecedented role for skilled craft workers. “We want to have a seat at the table and the opportunity to collaborate like we’ve never done before,“ said Sean O’Brien, Teamsters' union president. “We have to promote the opportunity for a new career path but we also need trust and guarantees."

National Electrical Contractors Association President Long noted the need for more training in rural areas where there are numerous data center projects but fewer tradespeople at journey levels. 

“Business and labor must be proactive. We’re in a cold war with China over AI and data," said Sean McGarvey, building trades union president. “We can attract and train workers, but we’re a business too. We need long lead times and to be at the table earlier in the game. We’re value added to your project."