Cyndie Williams

Pennsylvania’s skilled union workers, particularly carpenters, stand at the forefront of a massive infrastructure and clean energy opportunity following Google’s recent $25 billion commitment to build AI-optimized data centers and upgrade hydroelectric facilities across the state.

Announced during the 2025 Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit last month, Google’s investment is part of a broader national strategy to expand artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure while meeting its aggressive 24/7 carbon-free energy goals. But behind the headlines lies a significant story for labor unions, apprentices, and construction workers who will power the buildout.

High-Demand Union Jobs: Carpenters at the Center

The construction of hyperscale data centers, like those planned by Google, requires millions of square feet of fit-out space, making union carpenters essential to nearly every phase, from concrete forms and steel framing to interior systems, cleanroom partitions, and finish work.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our members,” said Cyndie Williams, executive director, Carpenter Contractor Trust. “Google’s investment will bring the kind of high-spec, long-term projects that demand the best-trained, safety-conscious tradespeople, and that’s what we deliver.”

Carpenter-led roles include:

• Concrete forming and structural framing.
• Interior systems (drywall, acoustical ceilings, cleanrooms).
• Finish carpentry and millwork installation.
• Access flooring for tech/data environments.
• Modular prefab and onsite assembly.

With Google’s emphasis on sustainability, union crews trained in green building techniques and carbon-free project delivery will be especially well-positioned.

Beyond Carpentry: A Full Union Workforce

While carpenters will play a major role, these projects will also engage:

• Electricians and low-voltage techs (IBEW).
• Plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC specialists.
• Ironworkers and operating engineers.
• Laborers, masons, and cement finishers.

The Project Labor Agreements that typically accompany infrastructure projects of this size ensure prevailing wage standards, an inclusive workforce, safety training, and access to apprenticeship programs —core values of the building trades.

Building the Next Generation of Tradespeople

In parallel with its physical investment, Google launched its “AI Works for America, starting in Pennsylvania” initiative, bringing AI-related training and career pathways to public schools, tech programs, and community colleges. “As part of this commitment, I am proud to announce that Google will be offering free AI training to all small businesses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google.

“This is a natural collaboration with union carpenters and other skilled trades,” said Williams. “Investments in tech infrastructure don’t just benefit coders. They benefit our apprentices, our journeymen, and the young people in our communities who are looking for a career with stability, purpose, and pride, while working in the construction industry.”

The carpenters union holds a unique position, being able to recruit new members and update skills for existing members in anticipation of these multiyear project timelines, thanks to its training centers throughout Pennsylvania, including in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Lebanon, and Duncansville.

Clean Energy, Clean Jobs

A key part of Google’s plan involves a $3 billion hydropower deal, which will upgrade existing hydroelectric facilities to help power its data centers with 100% carbon-free electricity. These upgrades will require union carpenters to perform:

• Structural retrofits.
• Precision concrete and rebar work.
• Infrastructure installation and upgrades.
• Close coordination with energy-sector union partners.

Clean energy construction is among the fastest-growing job categories in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy. Union labor builds these projects to last, with the highest standards of skill, safety, and local economic benefits at the core.

The Road Ahead

As the tech economy expands, Pennsylvania’s unionized skilled labor force is proving it’s ready to meet the moment. With the carpenters’ union and other building trades already engaged in energy, health care, and infrastructure megaprojects, Google’s investment is not just a boost to the economy, but also a validation of the union model: train hard, build right, stay local.

Google’s $25 billion–plus investment isn’t just about AI; it’s about elevating skilled union trades, growing middle-class careers, and securing Pennsylvania’s leadership in the next-generation economy. And union carpenters are ready to build it.

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Cyndie Williams is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia-based Carpenter Contractor Trust.