What a boom in building and operating data centers means for Wisconsin's workforce

Three professors weigh in on the economic and workforce implications of the burgeoning data center industry in Wisconsin. They distinguish between the temporary surge of construction jobs, which can number in the thousands for large projects like Microsoft's facility in Mount Pleasant, and the fewer, more specialized long-term operational roles, such as data center technicians. The professors also discuss the broader trickle-down effects on local economies, including increased demand for utility infrastructure (grid, fiber, water) and potential boosts to manufacturing, particularly the metal fabrication industry. The article highlights ongoing projects, including Microsoft's data center cluster in Mount Pleasant, expected to employ 500 full-time workers after an initial 3,000 construction jobs, and Meta's data center under construction in Beaver Dam. Concerns from communities regarding land, water, and electricity use, as well as general opposition, are noted as common alongside these proposals. Educational initiatives, such as the "Data Center Academy" launched by Microsoft and Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, are emerging to train the necessary workforce. While acknowledging the short-term economic benefits and potential for "tech corridors" around massive developments, the professors express uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of growth sparked by these projects. The potential for data centers to activate industries like nuclear power, as seen in Kewaunee County, is also considered.