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ABC & Meta partnering to address the construction industry’s workforce shortage

Dear Legislator,



On June 8, 2026, Meta Platforms announced a landmark $115 million private partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to launch America’s Workforce Academy — a transformational initiative that will rapidly train and place thousands of skilled workers into data center construction careers. Columbus, Ohio is one of only four national pilot locations including Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Indianapolis Indiana; and Houston Texas.

 

“America’s Workforce Academy is a transformational endeavor creating incredible construction-ready careers. ABC is proud to work with Meta, CBRE and academy community partners to welcome all who want to build their career dreams as a professional in construction. This innovative talent solution is a critical part of addressing the construction industry’s ongoing workforce shortage.”

— Michael Bellaman, ABC President & CEO

Why Meta Chose ABC

 

Meta made the wise choice to partner with the organization that represents the merit shop construction industry — the model that delivers results through competition, innovation, and a skilled, flexible workforce. ABC brings unmatched scale and proven capacity to meet the critical demands of building state and national infrastructure.

 

ABC’s national network includes more than 800 education programs, including 450 government-registered apprenticeship programs across 20 different trades and 200+ locations. This gives us the ability to scale quickly and deliver for projects like Meta’s Prometheus data center campus in Central Ohio.

 

Program Highlights

  • 5-week accelerated training at ABC chapter training centers, including Columbus, with career readiness, safety, core skills, and craft-specific training.
  • No cost to participants — full scholarships, travel, housing, and living stipends provided.
  • Guaranteed job offer upon successful completion from contractors working on Meta data center projects.
  • Open to high school graduates, veterans, career changers, and all motivated new entrants.

 

Significance for Ohio

 

This entirely privately funded endeavor is a powerful vote of confidence in Ohio’s construction workforce and business climate. It supports Meta’s major data center investments in Central Ohio, creates family-sustaining careers for Ohioans, and strengthens our state’s position as a national leader in data infrastructure — all without taxpayer dollars.

 

We are proud that Meta selected ABC and Ohio for this pivotal role. This partnership demonstrates the strength of merit shop principles and private-sector solutions in building America’s critical infrastructure.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can provide additional information or resources on this historic investment in our state.

 

Best regards,

 

Griffin Weasel

VP Govt Affairs & Communications, ABC of Ohio

 

Bryan C. Williams

President, ABC of Ohio

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