Meta AI data center to bring more than 6,500 jobs to NELA
Meta has emerged as Northeast Louisiana’s most prominent business partner, with the company’s Artificial Intelligence-optimized data center poised to generate over 6,500 employment opportunities in Richland Parish. Superintendent Sheldon Jones of Richland Parish Schools is taking proactive measures to prepare his students for the array of career options that will be available at the AI-optimized data center upon its scheduled completion in 2030.
Partnerships for Career Development
Superintendent Jones, in collaboration with central office supervisors, staff, and high school principals, has forged partnerships with Workforce Development Board 83. Together, they have organized a series of roundtable discussions aimed at facilitating internships and apprenticeships with local businesses, developing relevant curriculum, and organizing job fairs to enhance career prospects for students.
Job Opportunities
The data center's establishment will lead to the creation of over 500 new direct employment opportunities. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates that the project will also foster the generation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs in the region.
Kevin Janda, responsible for Meta's data center infrastructure strategy, articulated that Louisiana and Richland Parish were chosen as the ideal location for Meta due to various factors, including superior infrastructure accessibility, a robust grid, a business-friendly environment, and most significantly, the presence of proactive community partners who have played a pivotal role in advancing the project.
During the peak construction phase on the expansive 2,250-acre site, approximately 5,000 construction workers will be employed to bring the project to fruition.
RELATED CONTENT: Gov. Jeff Landry announces Meta will make ‘largest investment yet’ in Louisiana
Meta is committed to investing $200 million in enhancing local infrastructure, including the improvement of roads and water systems across the region.
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