Katy Bowman

• Reframing workforce development as part of the capacity deployment strategy by building accessible, local career pathways within data center communities as demand for digital infrastructure accelerates and skilled-trades shortages increasingly shape where and how the industry can deploy capacity
• Designing workforce solutions to maximize access to local talent pipelines through paid, multi-trade training, hands-on learning, and individualized support that reduce the barriers preventing residents from accessing skilled-trades careers
• Deploying data centers responsibly by looking beyond labor gap closure and considering how workforce investment can create transformational economic opportunities for residents and communities alongside infrastructure growth

This interactive Q&A explores how organizations are moving beyond traditional hiring approaches to address the structural workforce constraints limiting data center growth. The discussion examines how community partnerships, workforce development initiatives, education pathways, and capability-building programs can work together to expand the talent pool, accelerate readiness, and reduce dependence on increasingly scarce experienced hires. Participants will compare how leading organizations are creating scalable, repeatable workforce ecosystems that support both immediate hiring needs and long-term industry growth.