The Trades Are Powering the AI Economy
Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, but far fewer people are talking about the people and industries making it possible.
The AI economy isn't built on software alone. It is being built on infrastructure, hardware, construction, energy, and the skilled trades. From data centers and semiconductor facilities to power grids and fiber networks, these are the industries laying the foundation for the next generation of innovation.
Some of the world's leading companies recognize that while AI will transform many industries, there are essential jobs it cannot replace.
🔥 The skilled trades are indispensable to building and maintaining the physical infrastructure that powers the AI economy.
That's why companies are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen the trades and develop the workforce needed to build the future.
Leading the way is Lowe's, with a $250 million investment focused on strengthening the skilled trades workforce. Coming in second is Meta, which has committed $115 million through its American Workforce Accelerator (AWA) initiative in its first year to help prepare workers for the jobs powering the AI economy. This is the largest private-sector commitment to the skilled trades with a job guarantee in American history!
🎯The pilot sites for the Meta AWA program are Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas.
(Shout out to all my peeps in Ohio, Louisiana, and Texas! I hope some of you take advantage of this opportunity!)
These jobs are in such high demand that, through the AWA program, participants can have a job waiting for them before they even complete the program.
This is no gimmick! I even submitted an application myself to see whether the opportunity was real.
Beyond providing stable, high-paying careers, the skilled trades also offer one of the most accessible paths to entrepreneurship. 💰
Once you've mastered a trade, you have the opportunity to start your own business, set your own rates, build your own schedule, and create generational wealth. Because these skills are in such high demand, many trades professionals are able to build highly successful businesses in a relatively short period of time.
🎯 When you combine entrepreneurship with disciplined investing in the capital markets, the opportunity to build long-term wealth becomes even greater.
The message is clear: the future of AI depends on infrastructure, hardware, construction, and the skilled professionals who build and maintain it.
A special shout-out to the National Association of Black Women in Construction, whom I had the pleasure of doing a podcast interview with last month.
Organizations like theirs are helping ensure that more women have a seat at the table in building the infrastructure that will power the next generation of innovation and wealth creation.
As investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, we should pay attention not only to the AI companies making headlines, but also to the industries building the foundation beneath them. That's where many of tomorrow's opportunities—and wealth creation—will be found.
🙋🏻♀️ At Women in Capital Markets (CapX)™, we help women understand and confidently participate in capital markets and capitalize on opportunities in the emerging AI economy.
👨👩👦 We're also committed to preparing the next generation for financial success, which is why we're creating a Financial Education Series on Wealth Creation for Parents and Kids. Currently available on YouTube.
Together, we can equip women, children, and families with the knowledge, mindset, and tools to build wealth, seize opportunity, and thrive in the global AI economy.
Cheers to Peace and Prosperity!
Corporate & Securities Lawyer | Strategic Advisor
Founder & CEO, Women in Capital Markets (CapX)™
Founder, She Owns the Market™
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