And How InterCoast Colleges Is Helping
May 2025 delivered a rare bipartisan moment in Washington: a shared recognition that the future of artificial intelligence in the U.S. depends not just on software engineers and scientists, but also on skilled tradespeople, especially electricians.
(Hearing Senate – Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation)
At a Senate hearing titled “Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation”, top leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, AMD, and CoreWeave spoke on the urgent infrastructure needs behind AI. Surprisingly, one of the most repeated themes was the need for a stronger electrical workforce.
“More Electricians”: A National Priority Highlighted
When asked what the country most needs to stay competitive in AI, Microsoft President Brad Smith responded, “More electricians.”
Smith and others emphasized that rapid growth in data centers and manufacturing has outpaced the availability of trained electrical workers. In his previous writing and during the hearing, Smith estimated that the U.S. may need hundreds of thousands of additional electricians over the next decade to support expanding energy systems and high-tech infrastructure.
Senator Maria Cantwell agreed, calling filling the shortage “something we should all want to get behind.”
Industry leaders from AMD and OpenAI also noted the rising demand for power and energy systems, reinforcing that the expansion of AI technologies will depend heavily on the electrical trades.
Why Electricians Matter in the AI Economy
Advanced AI systems require 24/7 power delivery, redundant backups, and specialized environments—all of which are designed, installed, and maintained by electricians. From high-voltage work to smart grid integration, electrical professionals are part of the foundation that supports U.S. competitiveness in AI.
Without them, building the infrastructure needed for data centers, chip plants, and smart facilities may face delays or scaling challenges.
How InterCoast Colleges Is Preparing Electrical Trainees in California
At InterCoast Colleges, we understand the growing need for electrical professionals—and we’re committed to helping students pursue this essential path.
Our California-approved Electrical Training Program offers practical, hands-on instruction that may help students qualify to work under a licensed electrician after receiving their Electrical Trainee (ET) card from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
This certificate program provides foundational training in areas such as:
- Commercial and industrial installations
- Smart building wiring and systems
- Renewable energy and solar infrastructure
- Electric vehicle charging setup
Students gain skills aligned with the evolving demands of today’s electrical workforce in California. While InterCoast does not offer licensing or apprenticeships, the training may support students in their path toward journeyman licensure by helping them meet initial requirements for on-the-job experience.
National Investment Reflects a Growing Demand
Major companies like Google have also committed funding toward electrical workforce development, including donations to apprenticeship pathways and nonprofit training partnerships.
InterCoast is proud to be a California training provider helping meet the state’s need for qualified electrical trainees.
Local Training for a National Vision
Brad Smith’s suggestion to strengthen electrical training echoes the values InterCoast has embraced for years. We believe in expanding access to hands-on training that may help individuals transition into high-demand fields—whether they are recent high school graduates, career changers, or military veterans.
We encourage prospective students to speak with an advisor about how our Electrical Training Program can help them begin their path toward a technical career in California.
Be a Part of the Future—By Powering It
The AI conversation may focus on algorithms and chips, but behind every innovation is a workforce that ensures the lights stay on. If you’re curious about a career where your work could support industries of the future, InterCoast’s Electrical Training Program is a good place to start exploring.
⚡ Learn more about the program
📞 Talk to an Admissions Advisor today