AWS: Putting People at the Heart of Data Centre Innovation
AWS data centres in Indiana are positioned to add US$4.7bn to the state’s GDP and support an estimated 3,000 jobs.
Amazon made this announcement at an event at the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. The news comes in the wake of an announcement by AWS in April 2024 to invest US$11bn in the state of Indiana to build new data centres and create at least 1,000 jobs.
About Amazon’s pledge
Such an offering marked the single-largest capital investment in Indiana’s history, in addition to being part of Amazon’s long-term commitment to the state. Now, the tech giant states that more than 3,000 full-time jobs will be added on an annual average basis, including roles within the data centre supply chain like electricians, construction workers and fibre-optic technicians.
A range of local jobs within the local community will also be supported by the AWS investment.
“The strong spirit of partnership we’ve seen from local and state officials, community colleges, and community organisations inspired great confidence as we developed our plans in the region,” says Kevin Miller, Vice President, Global Data Centers at AWS.
“We’re committed to investing long-term in Indiana to help accelerate local workforce development, deliver new education programs for people of all ages, improve local infrastructure, and make a positive impact on this community as a great place for Hoosiers to live, work and thrive.”
Indiana’s role within a growing data centre market
Indiana is a thriving state for the data centre sector, having had significant technology corporations like Google, Microsoft and Meta pour millions of dollars into new data centre facilities.
Such increased growth over the last several years has been driven by factors such as low energy costs, available land, tax incentives for operators and the strategic importance of its location in the Midwest. The state has also been working on bolstering its fibre optic network, which is crucial for data centre operations - and something that Amazon states in its announcement it is eager to help support via its fibre optics training programmes.
"Indiana welcomes Amazon’s leadership and investment to create new economic opportunities for Hoosiers and their families. I’m beyond excited to see AWS create careers and investment in Hoosiers, as well as working with local institutions and organisations to strengthen our state’s burgeoning tech sector that will make additional long-term positive impacts in our local communities."
Community-focused initiatives to serve the underserved
AWS investing heavily in building new data centres in Indiana has inevitably created a large demand for skilled technical talent to build, power and maintain the infrastructure of each facility.
With this in mind, the company has committed itself to supporting the local community via a range of training programmes and its network of contractors and vendors to offer attendees hands-on experience to showcase the various careers available in cloud computing infrastructure.
- Aligning the curriculum to employer demand
- Ensuring faculties are trained in state-of-the-art technology
- Upgrading facilities and equipment
This work spans the entire regional education and workforce system in the state and includes programming for K-12 school districts to build awareness of high-demand ‘hands-on’ careers.
AWS is also partnering with universities to build engineering programmes related to electrical, mechanical and renewable energy systems. This is designed to support community colleges to align academic and workforce programmes to industry demand - something that could ultimately work to close wider industry skills gaps.
Also announced by AWS is a US$250,000 fund to empower communities to launch local programming with a focus on underserved areas. Called the AWS InCommunities St. Joseph County Fund, community organisations and individuals who want to create and support projects that benefit the local area.
- AWS Girls’ Tech Series: Designed to engage and connect future female innovators
- AWS Think Big Spaces: Inspiring the next generation of innovators
With these in mind, AWS is eager to continue building a network of local community partnerships to create meaningful progress, addressing critical issues in the local areas in which they operate such as food insecurity.
Data centre operators have a responsibility to give back and so, through tackling these issues, AWS is hoping to create greater sustainability, equity and community support for all.
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