Google Taps Veterans for Skilled Trades Workforce

Google has launched an initiative to help 25,000 veterans and military families build skilled trades careers. The program will be delivered in partnership with three national organizations that serve the military community: Hiring Our Heroes, Student Veterans of America, and the Home Builders Institute.

The companies aim to address a shortage of skilled trade workers needed to build, power, cool, and maintain data centers. Google's Data Center Operations Area Lead for Ohio and Indiana, Tim Chadwick, explained that many skills gained during military service are transferable to civilian jobs, particularly in the data center industry.

The program will offer hands-on pre-apprenticeships, career coaching, and direct job placements. Participants will earn industry-recognized credentials and receive placement support. This initiative is part of Google's ongoing workforce and industrial training initiatives, including the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades.