On Wednesday, August 6, in Indianapolis, ABC, Meta and NCCER convened to celebrate the first graduations from America’s Workforce Academy—a $115-million, nationwide, tuition-free initiative launched this June by ABC in partnership with Meta to train and create jobs for construction craft professionals, especially as demand for AI infrastructure grows.
In just four weeks, over 55 graduates from Indiana and Ohio earned an industry-recognized credential as fiber technicians—walking away with basic skills like cabling techniques as well as advanced skills like installation and network connections. This program not only enables students to build the AI infrastructure powering America by providing hard skills and a physical credential, but it empowers them with the confidence to step directly into the broader workforce.
Fishers graduate Ethan Blake tells 93.1FM WBIC in Indianapolis, “They gave me an on ramp to success in a way, and they gave me the tools that I needed to be able to navigate this new workforce. They gave me the knowledge that I needed to be able to navigate the new workforce and they gave me a job.”
“As you can imagine, it’s a big milestone for the program,” writes Lisa Strite, the chief learning officer of NCCER, who was present at the ceremony alongside NCCER President Boyd Worsham; Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Joel Thames; Associated Builders and Contractors Senior Director, Apprenticeship John Mielke; Gaylor Electric CEO Chuck Goodrich; and other program partners and state leaders to welcome the graduates and share a few words about the opportunities ahead of them in construction.
“We celebrate this first cohort of fiber technicians graduating from AWA alongside our partners Meta and CBRE,” says Thames. “This program represents a critical step in addressing the construction industry’s workforce shortage by creating new pathways into the trades and attracting a new wave of talent to our industry. By equipping individuals with in-demand skills and connecting them directly to career opportunities, we are not only filling jobs—we are building the next generation of the construction workforce.”
Not only does this graduation mark a momentous occasion for the program, but it signals a new beginning for the graduates and reinforces that the skills and credentials they’re earning through America’s Workforce Academy are the foundations of an incredible career.
“You’re not just starting a job,” Goodrich, who also serves as Indiana Secretary of Commerce, tells the graduates. “You’re helping build the future of America and Indiana. So, my challenge to you is to never stop learning. This is just the start.”
Meta is proud to be partnering with the National Urban League, the Associated Builders and Contractors and CBRE, as well as community partners across the country including, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, STRIVE, Boone County Economic Development Corporation (IN), Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce (LA), Workforce Solutions Borderplex (TX) and Ohio Chamber of Commerce (OH).
Learn more about America’s Workforce Academy.
