This week’s stories are about tech, AI and sustainability, coming from Canada, the UK and the USA

Meta launches workforce training program for data center jobs

Meta is investing $115 million in a new workforce development initiative aimed at training workers for skilled trade positions needed to support the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States.

The company announced that it will offer a free five-week training program and guarantee employment in a skilled trade for participants who successfully complete the course. The program, called America’s Workforce Academy, will initially be available in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas. (By the way I have a story here about Meta)

I read this story at CBS News and the initiative is open to qualified military veterans, individuals seeking career changes and others interested in entering skilled trades. Meta noted the program is designed to address a growing shortage of workers such as fiber technicians, electricians, welders and plumbers, whose expertise is increasingly needed for data center construction and operations.

A 2025 report by the American Edge Project, a technology industry advocacy organization established by Meta, projects that data center development will generate approximately 4.7 million temporary construction jobs nationwide, per the story. The report also estimates that about 700,000 permanent positions will be created to operate and manage the facilities.

Despite the economic opportunities associated with the industry, the rapid expansion of data centers has faced opposition in some communities. Critics argue that the facilities place additional strain on local power grids, raise environmental concerns and often provide limited long-term economic benefits to surrounding areas, according the story.

Meta launches workforce training program for data center jobs

Canada unveils AI strategy aimed at boosting technological sovereignty

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced a new national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy designed to strengthen the country’s technological independence and position Canada as a leader among middle powers seeking greater control over AI development.

The initiative, titled “AI for All,” seeks to reduce Canada’s dependence on U.S. technology companies while expanding domestic AI capabilities. The government also pledged to recognize AI as critical infrastructure, placing it alongside sectors such as energy and defense.

I read this story at Politico and Carney said Canada is well positioned to play a larger role in the global AI industry due to its abundant energy resources and expertise in fields including AI, robotics and quantum technologies.

The strategy emphasizes cooperation with like-minded partners as Canada pursues greater AI sovereignty. Ottawa identified countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Finland and Norway, along with the European Union, as key collaborators. Partnerships with Indo-Pacific nations such as Japan, Australia and India, as well as the United Arab Emirates, are also part of the plan.

The strategy also calls for expanding Canadian-owned data centers, cloud computing infrastructure and semiconductor production capacity in an effort to reduce reliance on foreign providers.

Under the new strategy, the government plans to support businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, in adopting AI technologies and competing in global markets. Investment efforts will focus on five priority sectors: health and life sciences, energy and natural resources, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing and robotics.

Canada unveils AI strategy aimed at boosting technological sovereignty

Bournemouth University to launch defense technology programs

Bournemouth University will introduce new courses focused on defense technology and national security as part of a government-backed initiative to address growing cybersecurity and defense challenges.

I saw this story the BBC and the university received approximately £2.8 million ($3.7 million) from the Ministry of Defence to develop the programs and establish two specialist training facilities designed to provide students with hands-on experience in realistic operational environments.

The new Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems courses are scheduled to begin in September.

University officials said the programs are intended to prepare future professionals for careers supporting national resilience and critical infrastructure protection. Students enrolled in the Cyber Defence Intelligence course will train at a dedicated facility within the Ministry of Defence’s BattleLab at Dorset Innovation Park, where they will learn to identify and respond to simulated cyberattacks and security threats, the story noted.

The laboratory will also include an outdoor testing area and a specialized water tank, allowing students to study autonomous vehicles designed for land, air and maritime operations, per the story.  A covered testing zone will simulate adverse weather conditions and communications disruptions to help students evaluate system performance in challenging environments, according to the story.

Let me add that the initiative is part of a broader government effort to expand defense-related education. Bournemouth University is among 24 universities and colleges across England receiving a share of an £80 million funding package aimed at increasing student capacity and upgrading facilities for defense-focused programs.

Bournemouth University to launch defense technology programs