Google.org, the charitable arm of Google, announced June 11 that it is providing $50 million to support skilled construction training programs, including those offered by the IBEW and its partners.
The move helps to address the construction worker shortage as Google and other companies build the infrastructure to support the technological backbone of the modern economy. That’s meant thousands of jobs for IBEW members, who are building and maintaining electrical systems in data centers across North America.
Roughly $20 million in funding designated to train electricians is going to the Electrical Training Alliance, the official training partner of the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association. The grant comes after Google.org awarded the ETA $15.75 million in early 2025.
“There is unprecedented demand for skilled electrical workers, which is why we welcome Google’s continued commitment to the energy workforce of tomorrow,” International President Kenneth W. Cooper said.
“For more than 100 years, the IBEW and our partners have trained the best, most skilled electrical workers in North America, adapting to new technologies constantly over the last century,” Cooper added. “We welcome the support of industry leaders like Google to create good, family-sustaining jobs and meet the growing energy needs of our economy.”
Construction and Maintenance Director Matt Paules said the funding reflects a strong, ongoing relationship between the IBEW and the tech giant.
“Google has been a good partner and this only strengthens that relationship,” he said. “We work with the company to identify upcoming projects as far in advance as possible, which gives us time to prepare for them and to ensure their projects have the manpower they need.”
“We work with the company to identify upcoming projects as far in advance as possible to ensure they have enough manpower. This funding to improve our training pipeline shows the strength of that relationship.”
Todd Stafford, executive director of the Electrical Training Alliance, said the funding will give more people an opportunity for a career with good wages and benefits.
IBEW apprentices already take on virtually no debt during training, unlike many college students. Google.org’s funding will make apprenticeships available to more applicants.
“Through Google’s commitment to workforce development and our shared investment in expanding awareness of and access to careers in the IBEW-NECA electrical industry, we are creating opportunities that strengthen workers, support families and build a brighter future for communities across the country,” Stafford said.
NECA CEO David Long also applauded Google’s decision. He has called meeting the demand for skilled electricians during this technological ramp-up one of the biggest challenges the IBEW and NECA have faced in their history.
“This continued commitment by Google.org into the training of our electricians today and tomorrow is critical for the success of American infrastructure,” Long said. “As project size and scope grow to levels never seen before, working with an industry leader like Google that recognizes the need to support workforce development and apprenticeship has allowed us to dream big together.”
“Efforts like this have the potential to improve the quality of life for workers and their families across America and improve the industry landscape at the same time,” Long added.
The IBEW has more than 900,000 members and retirees across the United States and Canada, nearly 150,000 more than it had 10 years ago.
Unions representing sheet metal workers, plumbers, pipefitters, welders and service techs also will receive funding. Google.org also is sending money to the North American Building Trades Unions’ TradesFutures program, which works to place applicants in apprenticeship programs across the country. The IBEW is the largest member of the Building Trades.
