As southeast Wisconsin experiences an unprecedented surge in data center development and energy infrastructure investment, the union construction industry is rising to meet the moment. 

With reliable power, a strategic location, and most importantly, a highly skilled workforce, our region has become a magnet for large-scale projects. At the center of this momentum is IBEW Local 494, led by Business Manager John Jacobs. 

Building Advantage recently sat down with Jacobs to discuss how Local 494 is managing this wave of work, what it means for union tradespeople, and why supporting these projects matters. 

 

Chris Mambu Rasch: How is the union construction industry stepping up to meet the growing workforce demands from data centers and the broader energy transition? 

John Jacobs: It starts with investment in our people. We’re expanding our apprenticeship program by growing our joint-apprenticeship training center and bringing on more instructors to meet demand. Although we’re growing, we still maintain the highest standard for producing safe, efficient, highly trained union electricians. 

Efficiency is more important than ever as project timelines continue to shrink. That’s where our training model stands out. By combining classroom instruction with on-the-job experience, we ensure our electricians are fully prepared and equipped to deliver. It’s why IBEW Local 494 continues to produce the most skilled and knowledgeable electricians in the industry. 

Registered apprenticeship used to be one of the best-kept secrets, but not anymore. Around the country, people are understanding the value of union apprenticeship and the long-term careers it provides. Developers and general contractors see that too. They continue to partner with union labor because they know our training delivers the quality, safety, and efficiency that complex projects demand. 

 

Chris Mambu Rasch: What does this surge in work mean for your union and its members? 

John Jacobs: The impact is tremendous. At peak construction, some of these projects employ thousands of union tradespeople. That’s an immediate boost to our local economy and a major opportunity for our members. 

For Local 494, this represents years—if not decades—of opportunity. From initial construction to ongoing maintenance, the demand for highly skilled electricians will continue well into the future. We’ve already grown our membership by 10% over the past year, and we’re prepared to bring on even more apprentices to meet the growing workforce needs of our contractors. 

We’re also adapting internally, adding staff and resources to support the scale of this work. It’s a big moment for our union, and we’re ready for it. 

 

Chris Mambu Rasch: There’s been some political pushback around data center development. Why is it important for your union to speak out in support of this work? 

John Jacobs: Because this work directly impacts the livelihoods of the people we represent. Construction and maintenance correlates to good wages, steady hours, and opportunities for families across our community. 

We take that seriously. This is generational work, and we’re going to continue advocating for it to make sure decision-makers understand what’s at stake for working people and our local economy. 

As corporations and everyday consumers continue to rely more heavily on AI and digital technology, the demand for data centers will only increase. Whether a person is actively using AI tools, or just searching online and using social media, they’re relying on the infrastructure that data centers provide. 

There’s also a misconception that these projects come at the expense of Wisconsin residents. In reality, data centers are paying their share of the infrastructure and utility costs required to support their operations. These are major private investments that help strengthen the grid, expand capacity, and contribute significant tax revenue to local communities. 

 

Chris Mambu Rasch: Some critics say this type of construction is only temporary. How do you respond to that? 

John Jacobs: All construction work is project-based, that’s nothing new. With the pipeline of data center projects, plus growing demand in areas like renewable energy, battery storage, and electrification, there’s a long runway of work ahead. And it doesn’t stop when construction ends. These facilities require ongoing electrical maintenance for decades. 

When you look at the big picture, this isn’t temporary. Data centers and energy projects bring sustained, long-term opportunity. 

 

Chris Mambu Rasch: Any final thoughts on how Local 494 is stepping up to meet this moment? 

John Jacobs: We’re in the middle of a construction boom that’s been decades in the making. The groundwork we’ve laid through training and workforce development is paying off. 

This moment is creating larger opportunity for steady careers, strong wages, and expanded pathways into the trades for people in our community. No matter what level of electrical experience a person has, Local 494 has a spot for you. 

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: delivering for our members and building a stronger future with union labor. 

To learn more about IBEW Local 494, visit their website: https://www.ibew494.com/