Louisiana Residents Train for Jobs at Meta’s Largest-Ever AI Data Center

A local route into data center work

Eric Crowe Jr., 27, enrolled in the technician course because he sees data centers as an expanding field. He previously handled packages and drove for FedEx, averaging $14 an hour, and hopes to earn between $25 and $30 an hour in his next job.

The four-week program at the Winnsboro campus costs nearly $3,700 and covers equipment operation, workplace safety and opportunities to earn certificates. Students also practice their skills in a mock data center on campus.

Training draws students and employers

During a September class, students practiced splicing fiber-optic cables and worked with equipment. Trey Wadley, 30, said he values the hands-on approach; with a new baby daughter, he hopes to find local work rather than seek opportunities in Texas.

Project promises jobs and pay

Meta says construction could involve more than 7,500 trade workers at peak activity. Once complete, the data center is expected to support 1,000 operational jobs. McCarty said entry-level roles could pay up to $24 an hour. Graduates told him they reached $27 to $28 an hour within six months. Separately, Business Insider reported median pay of $134,000 for data-center facility managers and $115,000 for project managers at data-center facilities.

Residents weigh benefits and concerns

Richland Parish residents have differing views about the project. Some see potential jobs and economic gains, while others worry about environmental effects and disruptions to daily life. Crowe Jr. and Wadley recognize those concerns but said they do not expect AI to disappear. Instructor John Bradley said a similar training opportunity would have helped him before he entered construction and oil-field work.