According to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, the construction and operation of AI data centers will require hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople.
It is widely accepted that the development of AI systems is and will continue to have an impact on many professions. Until now, the focus has been on professions that will either benefit from the use of AI or could be at least partially replaced by AI in the future. In an interview with Channel 4 News in the UK, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang pointed out that traditional skilled trades would also benefit from the AI boom.
The construction and operation of AI data centers would require hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, Huang told the broadcaster. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters would be particularly in demand.
The skilled trades sector of every economy will experience a boom that Huang says will last at least ten years. Every year, twice as much construction would be needed as the previous year to advance AI and keep pace with development.
If you’re an electrician, plumber, or carpenter—we’re going to need hundreds of thousands of you to build all these factories.
The skilled trades sector will experience a boom in every economy. You’ll need twice as many skilled workers every year, and then twice as many again.
Skilled workers for construction and operation
According to the Fortune magazine, a single data center with an area of 23,000 square meters requires up to 1,500 construction workers during the construction phase.
Many of them would earn over $100,000 a year, equivalent to €85,000, without overtime, at least in the US.
Germany has been experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in the skilled trades for years. According to the Handwerk-Magazin, there were more than 230,000 vacancies in the skilled trades. Skilled workers, journeymen, and master craftsmen are particularly sought after.
Now we want to hear your opinion. What do you think of this statement? Do you see a boom coming for the skilled trades? Feel free to leave us a comment.