BATON ROUGE — America's Workforce Academy launched a new hub under the Construction Ready pathway in Baton Rouge on Monday as the first classes begin.

The hub is supported by an initial $115 million investment by Meta, helping the academy fast-track students to a long-term career in a skilled trade. 

Developed with Associated Builders and Contractors, the pathway offers students four weeks of paid training with a job guaranteed at one of Meta's data centers. Graduates will receive OSHA 10 certification and a National Construction Education and Research credential.

The training expands on the academy's existing Fiber Technician pathway, which has over 400 graduates.

Current students are expected to graduate just before Thanksgiving on Nov. 23.