AI TRADE JOBS & WEALTH CREATION
FOR ALL AMERICANS
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Trade schools and community colleges could have never imagined the scale and speed of today’s AI infrastructure buildout. That’s the void we fill.
The Stakes
400,000 skilled trade jobs are currently unfilled across the U.S.
By 2033, nearly 2 million positions could go unfilled.
Manufacturing alone needs 3.8 million additional workers by 2033, with half that demand projected to go unmet.
AI-Specific Infrastructure Demands
More than 400 new data centers are expected in the next five years.
Each hyperscale build requires 1,500–3,000 workers at peak construction.
Many projects tied to U.S. national security require cleared employees—adding urgency.
What America Faces
Severe shortages in AI trades, driven by gaps in awareness, training, and placement.
Outdated, fragmented trade schools too slow and siloed to meet hyperscale demand.
An urgent need to upskill the next generation and reskill mid-career entrants to secure AI leadership.
This is our nation’s moment to act.
PLAY → TRAIN
This isn’t another broad “gamer to coder” fantasy. It’s a precision-guided tactical strike on America’s next AI workforce. Thirty million U.S. gamers aged 18–24 without a college track. They’re not “lost”; they’re untapped. Digitally fluent. Hungry. Available now. We believe they are the single most viable, high-conversion demographic to attract, train, and deploy into AI hyperscaler infrastructure roles. These aren’t passive young adults—they’re the active core of America’s next data center buildout.
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Here are clear, brief descriptions of the TAM, SAM, and SOM focusing on the U.S. gaming market and workforce development for AI infrastructure trades:
TAM (Total Addressable Market)
Definition: All U.S. gamers of any age who play video games, regardless of education or career status.
Size: 205.1 million people (100% of US gamers)
Use: Represents the absolute maximum potential market if there were no barriers at all—used for sizing the outer perimeter of opportunity.
SAM (Serviceable Available Market)
Definition: All U.S. gamers aged 18-34, unfiltered for education or degree status. Includes both college-educated and non-degree individuals.
Size: 82.0 million people (40% of US gamers)
Use: This is the realistic market for “reskilling”—adults who are likely contemplating career transitions and possess digital skills that overlap with modern trades.
SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market)
Definition: All U.S. gamers aged 18-24 who are NOT enrolled in college or do NOT have a college degree. These are the best “upskilling” targets: young adults in the workforce or immediately available for trades training.
Size: 30.0 million people (14.6% of US gamers; 61% of all 18-24 gamers)
Use: This is the most viable, high-conversion target market for AI hyperscaler infrastructure roles, apprenticeships, and certifications. They are available, digitally fluent, and most open to new career opportunities.
This segmentation makes it easy to prioritize marketing, partnership, and recruitment investments where they will have the clearest and fastest impact on workforce pipelines for AI infrastructure trades.
Sources
[1] United States Gaming Market Size & Share Analysis https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-gaming-market
[2] Gaming Industry Report 2025: Market Size & Trends - Udonis Blog https://www.blog.udonis.co/mobile-marketing/mobile-games/gaming-industry
[3] How Many Gamers Are There? (New 2025 Statistics) https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-gamers
[4] 2025 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry - the ESA https://www.theesa.com/resources/essential-facts-about-the-us-video-game-industry/2025-data/
[5] State of American Gaming Industry in 2025 | GAM3S.GGhttps://gam3s.gg/news/state-of-american-gaming-industry-in-2025/
[6] Ampere Analysis: The Gaming Market in 2025 - GameDev Reports https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/ampere-analysis-the-gaming-market-9c6
[7] U.S. Video Game Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2033 https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-video-game-market-report
[8] 2025 video game industry statistics and trends - Liquid Web https://www.liquidweb.com/blog/video-game-statistics/
[9] Games - United States | Statista Market Forecast https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/media/games/united-states
[10] U.S. gamers by gender 2025 - Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/232383/gender-split-of-us-computer-and-video-gamers/
[11] ESA REVEALS LATEST US GAMER DEMOGRAPHIC DATA https://www.womeningames.org/esa-reveals-latest-us-gamer-demographic-data/
[12] Annual ESA Study Reveals Video Games' Universal Appeal Across ... https://www.theesa.com/annual-esa-study-reveals-video-games-universal-appeal-across-generations/
[13] Gamer Demographics from 2025: No Longer a Men-Only Club https://playtoday.co/blog/stats/gamer-demographics/
TRAIN → WORK
This isn’t a community college retrofit. It’s a $100M, first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art training and staffing campus purpose-built for AI hyperscaler timelines. With White House policy momentum at our back—from the AI literacy mandate to apprenticeship funding—and private capital alignment through employer seat-blocks and VC/PE capex financing, we’re building the trades academy for America’s AI workforce.
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1. Campus Footprint & Land Acquisition
Square footage: ~75,000–100,000 sq ft.
Comparable to a midsize technical college satellite campus or hyperscaler training lab.
Space includes: labs (power, fiber, cyber, rigging), VR/AR suites, placement floor, admin, classrooms, and security/clearance offices.
Land purchase:
TX (Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin outskirts, Houston corridor): $3–5M for 10–15 acres.
VA (Northern Virginia, Ashburn/“Data Center Alley”): $8–12M for similar acreage (higher due to proximity to hyperscaler campuses).
Construction cost:
$250–350 per sq ft for advanced lab facilities.
Total: $20–35M.
2. Specialized Labs & Equipment (Capex Heavy)
Power & Thermal Lab: MV switchgear, UPS/battery systems, diesel/gas generators, immersion cooling skid bays.
$7–10M initial capex.
Network & Fiber Lab: Structured cabling plants, optics benches, fiber splicing bays, L1–L3 routers/switches.
$3–5M.
Cyber Range: OT/ICS simulation, red/blue team infrastructure, NIST/DoD-aligned runbooks.
$4–6M.
Construction & Rigging Yard: Heavy equipment simulators + steel/welding rigs.
$2–4M.
AI-Enhanced Learning Suite: VR/AR headsets, immersive hazard sims, digital twin integration.
$1.5–3M.
Security & Clearances Desk: Secure rooms, biometric systems, federal compliance build-out.
$500K–1M.
Total Lab Equipment Capex: ~$18–29M.
3. Staffing (Annual Opex)
Instructors:
30–40 SME instructors across trades (electricians, HVAC, welding, networking, cyber, security).
$4–6M/year payroll.
Support staff:
Placement desk (MBAs, staffing pros), admin, security clearance officers, coaching staff.
$3–5M/year payroll.
Leadership team: Campus director, lab managers, HR, finance, compliance.
$1.5–2M/year.
Total Staff Payroll: ~$8.5–13M/year.
4. Operating Costs (Annual Opex)
Facilities: Utilities (power, cooling, fiber backbone), maintenance, insurance.
$2–4M/year.
Curriculum Development: Quarterly updates, alignment with employer councils, AI literacy modules.
$1–2M/year.
Technology Licensing: VR/AR platforms, digital twin software, LMS, AI coaching systems.
$1–2M/year.
Marketing & Recruitment: Awareness campaigns (federally co-funded, as we outlined).
$2–3M/year.
Total Opex (non-payroll): ~$6–11M/year.
5. All-In Pilot Campus Costs
Capex (Land + Build + Equipment): ~$45–75M.
Annual Opex (Staff + Ops): ~$15–24M.
WORK → WEALTH
Imagine a $125M awareness campaign reaching 30M citizens, making AI literacy a household phrase—and a national and economic security priority.
Imagine a state-of-the-art campus. A beacon of hope. $100M lighting the way. Proof that America still builds—and still cares.
Imagine a trades career app that orchestrates end-to-end—aptitude matching, tuition and enrollment, clearance pre-screens, and human-AI coaching.
Imagine zero learner tuition burden—with stipends covering transportation, childcare, lodging, tools, and workwear.
Imagine the ripple—trade schools reborn, community colleges recharged, a movement scaling beyond one site, beyond one city, beyond one sector.
Imagine two million American hands trained for hyperscale—defending grids, securing data, powering the next century.
Now imagine the blueprint for how a nation prepares its people for the age of AI.
This is not a project. It’s a mandate.
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Economic Wealth Creation Effect of 2 Million Trades Jobs
Based on economic multiplier research and current wage data, here's our comprehensive analysis of the wealth creation impact:
Methodology Overview
Our analysis uses established economic multipliers from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showing construction has a 3.02 GDP multiplier and employment multipliers ranging from 1.4-2.3[1][2][3][4]. Tax revenue calculations use a combined effective rate of 29% (federal, state, and local)[5][6][7].
1) Primary Trades Jobs (Direct Employment)
Total: 2,000,000 jobs | Annual Wages: $127.75B
Trade Type | Jobs | Wage Range | Key Role
Electricians | 300,000 | $60,000 - $90,000 | Power systems, smart infrastructure[8][9][10]
Plumbers/Pipefitters | 250,000 | $55,000 - $85,000 | Water systems, HVAC integration[8][9]
HVAC Technicians | 200,000 | $50,000 - $75,000 | Climate control, energy efficiency[8][9]
Construction Workers | 400,000 | $45,000 - $65,000 | General construction, infrastructure[11]
Carpenters | 200,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | Structural work, finishing[11]
Equipment Operators | 150,000 | $55,000 - $75,000 | Heavy machinery operation[11]
Welders | 100,000 | $45,000 - $70,000 | Metal fabrication, structural[9]
Data Center Technicians | 150,000 | $65,000 - $85,000 | AI infrastructure support[10]
Other Skilled Trades | 250,000 | $48,000 - $68,000 | Various specialized roles
Tax Revenue: $37.05 billion annually[5][6]
2) Secondary Trades-Related Jobs (Indirect/Supply Chain)
Total: 2,000,000 jobs | Annual Wages: $69.78B
Sector | Jobs | Wage Range | Economic Role
Manufacturing (Materials) | 250,000 | $45,000 - $65,000 | Steel, concrete, equipment production[1][12]
Transportation/Logistics | 200,000 | $42,000 - $62,000 | Material delivery, equipment transport[1]
Wholesale Trade | 150,000 | $48,000 - $68,000 | Construction supply distribution[13]
Professional Services | 150,000 | $55,000 - $80,000 | Engineering, architecture, consulting[14]
Equipment Rental | 100,000 | $40,000 - $60,000 | Construction equipment leasing[1]
Construction Suppliers | 200,000 | $44,000 - $64,000 | Building materials, tools[1]
Engineering Services | 100,000 | $65,000 - $95,000 | Design, project management[14]
Safety/Inspection Services | 50,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | Quality control, compliance[14]
Tax Revenue: $20.23 billion annually[5]
3) Tertiary Trades-Related Jobs (Induced/Spending Effects)
Total: 1,600,000 jobs | Annual Wages: $68.03B
Sector | Jobs | Wage Range | Economic Impact
Retail Trade | 300,000 | $30,000 - $45,000 | Consumer goods, local spending[15][16]
Food Services | 200,000 | $25,000 - $40,000 | Restaurants, hospitality[16]
Healthcare | 250,000 | $45,000 - $75,000 | Medical services, benefits[16]
Education | 150,000 | $40,000 - $65,000 | Training programs, schools[16]
Financial Services | 100,000 | $50,000 - $80,000 | Banking, insurance, loans[16]
Real Estate | 150,000 | $45,000 - $70,000 | Housing market support[16]
Personal Services | 100,000 | $28,000 - $45,000 | Local service businesses[16]
Government Services | 150,000 | $45,000 - $70,000 | Public sector expansion[16]
Tax Revenue: $19.73 billion annually[5]
Total Economic Wealth Creation Impact
Metric | Amount
Total Jobs Created | 5.6M
Jobs Multiplier Effect | 2.8x
Total Annual Wages | $265.55B
Total Annual Tax Revenue | $77.01B
Estimated GDP Impact | $385.81B
Tax Revenue Distribution:
Federal (62%): $47.75B[6][17]
State (24%): $18.48B[5][7]
Local (14%): $10.78B[5][7]
Key Economic Benefits
Immediate Economic Stimulus: $385.81B GDP impact using the 3.02 construction multiplier[2][3].
Sustained Employment: 5.6M total jobs across all sectors[1][4].
Tax Base Expansion: $77B in new annual tax revenue supporting public services[5][6].
Community Development: Local spending creates resilient economic ecosystems[16].
Skills Development: Workforce upskilling creates long-term economic value[18].
Our analysis demonstrates that 2 million trades jobs would create a massive economic multiplier effect, generating nearly 6 million total jobs and contributing over $385 billion to GDP annually through direct, indirect, and induced economic activity[1][2][3][4].
Direct and Supporting Sources:
[1] Construction and Jobs: The Economic Impact of Building Projects https://blogs.ezelogs.com/construction-and-jobs-the-economic-impact/
[2] [PDF] Residential Construction Economic Study 5-2020 https://leadingbuilders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Residential-Construction-Economic-Study-5-2020.pdf
[3] Economic Perspectives - 12/06/24 | Washington Trust Bank https://www.watrust.com/articles/economic-perspectives---12/06/24
[4] [PDF] A ladder up - Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/sites/default/files/documents/A-Ladder-Up_Report.pdf
[5] What are the sources of revenue for state and local governments? https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-sources-revenue-state-and-local-governments
[6] What Kinds of Revenue Does the Government Collect? https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/what-kinds-of-revenue-does-the-government-collect/
[7] State & Local Revenue - NASRA https://www.nasra.org/revenue
[8] Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025 - Skilled Trades Partners https://www.skilledtradespartners.com/2025/01/16/highest-paying-trade-jobs-in-2025/
[9] 2025 Top-Paying Skilled Trades Jobs Salary Guide https://summitservicesolutions.com/blog/skilled-trades-salary-guide/
[10] 25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs (Official U.S. Labor Data) - Amtec https://www.amtec.us.com/blog/25-highest-paying-trade-jobs
[11] Highest Paying Trade Jobs - Salary Breakdown by Industry https://www.midwesttech.edu/resources/highest-paying-trade-jobs-fastest-growing-and-salary-breakdowns/
[12] [PDF] Working Paper - Updated Employment Multipliers for the U.S. ... https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1224/ML12243A398.pdf
[13] The Multiplier Effect: Which Industries are the Biggest Job Creators? https://camoinassociates.com/resources/the-multiplier-effect-which-industries-are-the-biggest-job-creators/
[14] [PDF] Economic Impacts of Planned School Construction Projects in New ... https://heldrich.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Economic_Impacts_of_School_Construction_Projects_0.pdf
[15] [PDF] Multiplier Effects - What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth https://whatworksgrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/Multipliers_Toolkit.pdf
[16] The Impact of Skilled Trades on Local Communities https://thebluecollarrecruiter.com/the-impact-of-skilled-trades-on-local-communities/
[17] What are the sources of revenue for the federal government? https://taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-sources-revenue-federal-government
[18] High-Demand Trade Careers Growing in 2025 https://natradeschools.edu/blog/high-demand-trade-careers-growing-in-2025/
[19] New Study Shows Home Building Creates Over 100000 Jobs, Adds ... https://masterbuilderspierce.com/new-study-shows-home-building-creates-over-100000-jobs-adds-8-4-billion-annually-to-states-economy/
[20] [PDF] the-economic-consequences-of-a-highly-automated-construction ... https://midwestepi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/the-economic-consequences-of-a-highly-automated-construction-industry-final.pdf
[21] 10 Highest-Paying Trades Careers That DON'T Require A Degree In ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DvstC3xUb4
[22] The Economy and the Construction Industry - PMC - PubMed Central https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7124044/
[23] Updated employment multipliers for the U.S. economy https://www.epi.org/publication/updated-employment-multipliers-for-the-u-s-economy/
[24] Top Paying Trades Jobs of 2025 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooWoKmqrooU
[25] What's behind the projected construction employment growth from ... https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-14/whats-behind-the-projected-construction-employment-growth-from-2023-to-2033.htm
[26] $23-$40/hr Plumber Or Electrician Jobs in Dallas, TX - ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Plumber-Or-Electrician/-in-Dallas,TX
[27] Understanding the Contribution of the Construction Industry to US ... https://www.buildingradar.com/construction-blog/understanding-the-contribution-of-the-construction-industry-to-us-gdp
[28] Trades jobs a 20 y/o can get and learn on the job - Dallas - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/comments/1hwaws6/trades_jobs_a_20_yo_can_get_and_learn_on_the_job/
[29] [PDF] Economic Impacts of Commercial Real Estate - NAIOP https://www.naiop.org/globalassets/research-and-publications/report/economic-impacts-of-commercial-real-estate-2021-u.s.-edition/researchreporteconomic-impacts-of-cre-2021-us-edition.pdf
[30] Trade, Transportation, and Utilities - Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag40.htm
[31] Economic Multipliers In The EB-5 Arena | IIUSA Blog https://iiusa.org/blog/rcbj-retrospective-economic-multipliers-eb5-arena-voodoo-economics-sound-economic-practice-2/
[32] Taxation in the United States - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_the_United_States
[33] [PDF] Employment Cost Index – June 2025 - Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf
[34] Putting America to work, where? Evidence on the effectiveness of ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094119019300257
[35] State Tax and Economic Review | Urban Institute https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/projects/state-tax-and-economic-review
[36] [PDF] An essential tool for regional developers and planners https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/methodologies/RIMSII_User_Guide.pdf
[37] Which Taxes Pay for Which State and Local Employees? https://www.mercatus.org/research/policy-briefs/which-taxes-pay-which-state-and-local-employees