From Zero Experience to Well-Paying Career — Miller Electric’s 4-Week Trade Pro Academy Launches Jacksonville Residents Into Tuition-Free Apprenticeship, College Credit, & Full Careers by Parker Timmons ptimmons@mecojax.com University of North Florida, Harvard Business Review, Strategic Communication Theory, Dr. Stephanie Perkins
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Skilled Trades Are No Longer Just Blue-Collar—They're New Collar.
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Skilled Trades Are No Longer Just Blue-Collar—They're New Collar
How Miller Electric Is Powering the AI Revolution in the Trades
by Parker Timmons, University of North Florida, Dr. Chunsik Lee
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing nearly every industry—but it’s the skilled trades that are physically building its foundation. As demand for AI capabilities surges, so does the need for massive data centers to support it. Miller Electric Company, is at the forefront of this shift—constructing, wiring, and maintaining the infrastructure that makes AI possible.
As we shift into an AI-powered world, skilled trades are no longer just blue-collar—they'renew collar. Electricians and integrators are now working side-by-side with cloud engineers, installing the literal backbone of modern tech. That’s why workforce development programs must shift mindsets.Students entering the trades today aren’t just working jobs. They’re building the future.
The Trades Behind AI
Every time someone uses ChatGPT or Gemini, they’re tapping into massive cloud systems housed in advanced data centers. According to CBRE’s 2023 North American Data Center Trends Report,data center construction is growing more than 20% annually,fueled in part by AI and cloud expansion.
Miller Electric plays a direct role in this growth. Across the country, their teams are leading electrical, systems integration, and low-voltage installations in hyper scale data centers for the world’s top tech companies. These projects demand highly specialized skillsets, safety knowledge, and tech-forward thinking—qualities prioritized in every worker trained.
Training the Workforce of Tomorrow
As a Workforce Development Coordinator at Miller Electric, I’ve witnessed how quickly the the trades are evolving. Our apprentices are no longer just learning how to pull wire, they're learning how to construct complex systems that protect billions of dollars in data and power cutting-edge AI tools.
Miller Electric Company, Image Source: Ketterman, Source: University of North Florida, Dr. Chunsik Lee
Redefining the Trades
Miller Electric doesn't just build power systems,they build the future. Their teams are establishing data center projects where one missed connection can disrupt services across the country. That kind of responsibility requires more than just technical know-how. It takes focus, adaptability, and an understanding of how their work fits into the larger system.
To support that, Miller is building better pipelines from schools, nonprofits, and apprenticeship programs. They emphasize hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to the evolving tech on real job sites.They're not waiting on the future, we’re wiring it right now.
This article is a powerful reminder that skilled trades are evolving right alongside technology. It is inspiring to see how companies like Miller Electric are not just adopting or evolving with the AI era, they are actively building its foundation. The idea of “new collar” work really reframes how we view trades, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the future. It’s about time we give these careers the respect and investment they deserve.
From Zero Experience to Well-Paying Career — Miller Electric’s 4-Week Trade Pro Academy Launches Jacksonville Residents Into Tuition-Free Apprenticeship, College Credit, & Full Careers by Parker Timmons ptimmons@mecojax.com University of North Florida, Harvard Business Review, Strategic Communication Theory, Dr. Stephanie Perkins
Breaking Barriers: Women in Construction Are Reshaping the Industry By Parker Timmons, University of North Florida, Dr. Chunsik Lee Construction has long been considered a male-dominated field, but that narrative is changing—fast. Across the U.S., more women are entering the skilled trades, project management, and leadership positions in construction than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of women in construction reached over 1.2 million in 2023—a record high. [^1] This shift isn’t just about numbers—it’s about breaking stereotypes and building equity. Women in the field are not only thriving in roles like electricians, welders, and crane operators—they’re also creating safer, more inclusive worksites, and mentoring the next generation of builders. As a proud member of the Women in Construction Atlanta Chapter , I’ve seen firsthand the impact that representation and community support can have. From jobsite confidence to career growth, organiza...
This article is a powerful reminder that skilled trades are evolving right alongside technology. It is inspiring to see how companies like Miller Electric are not just adopting or evolving with the AI era, they are actively building its foundation. The idea of “new collar” work really reframes how we view trades, emphasizing their critical role in shaping the future. It’s about time we give these careers the respect and investment they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how correlated AI and the blue collar field were becoming. Well done!
ReplyDeleteSkilled Trades topic is the one that I find interesting to discover, but hadn't thought of when choosing the topics, thank you for your blog post.
ReplyDelete