Employers are using new retention strategies as data center growth intensifies competition for electricians, plumbers and other skilled trades.
Contractors, News
Public EV Charging Satisfaction Improves as Reliability and Availability Get Better
New industry findings show EV drivers are becoming more satisfied with public charging as station reliability, availability and speed improve.
News, Power & Utilities
Ameren Illinois Plans $1.6 Billion Grid Program With 380 Miles of Transmission Work
Ameren plans a $1.6 billion Central Illinois grid program that will build or upgrade about 380 miles of transmission lines through 2029.
Texas regulators approved two major transmission projects totaling more than 400 miles to move more power into West Texas industrial regions.
The proposed 422-mile North Plains Connector HVDC line has reached a final environmental review milestone as developers plan a 3,000-MW grid link.
Data Centers, News
Microsoft and OpenAI Invest in Skilled-Trade Training as Data Center Hiring Tightens
Microsoft and OpenAI are backing skilled-trade training programs as the AI infrastructure boom raises demand for electricians and other construction workers.
Retirements are expected to account for much of construction’s 2026 worker demand, making knowledge transfer and succession planning more urgent.
Memorial Health has started a $56 million emergency department expansion in Marysville, Ohio, increasing treatment capacity from 15 to 24 rooms.
Contractors, News
Wells Enterprises Launches Phase Three of $425 Million New York Ice Cream Plant Expansion
Wells Enterprises has moved into phase three of a $425 million Dunkirk, New York, plant expansion designed to multiply production capacity.
EdgeConneX is deploying Accelsius two-phase cooling technology at its training center as AI racks push beyond traditional air cooling.
