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In this episode, Mike Greenawalt, former CEO of Rosendin and founder of the Greenawalt Foundation, shares how his journey from electrical apprentice to leading one of the nation’s largest electrical contractors shaped his mission to create debt-free career pathways into the skilled trades. Mike explains why apprenticeships gave him an opportunity traditional education could not, and why America must rethink how it identifies, develops, and invests in the talent needed to build the future of AI and digital infrastructure.
Mike discusses the skilled labor crisis facing the data center industry as AI drives construction at unprecedented speed and scale. While shortages of power, land, equipment, and water receive significant attention, he argues that the shortage of qualified electricians and other tradespeople may be even more critical. Existing apprenticeship programs were already struggling to replace an aging workforce, and the AI boom has accelerated demand far beyond their ability to scale.
The conversation explores how the Greenawalt Foundation is helping students and people in career transition enter registered apprenticeship programs by funding tuition, books, tools, safety equipment, and other barriers to entry. Mike also shares the success of the pre-apprenticeship model he helped launch with Grand Canyon University, which has now served more than 1,000 students and expanded beyond electrical training into construction, cleanroom technology, and CNC machining.
Looking ahead, Mike believes the companies driving the AI boom must take greater responsibility for developing the workforce required to build it. From apprenticeship programs located directly on major data center construction sites to stronger partnerships among industry, universities, nonprofits, and communities, he sees an opportunity to train tens of thousands of skilled workers while creating life-changing careers without traditional college debt.
Watch The Podcast:
Important Links
- Connect with Mike Greenawalt on LinkedIn
- Rosendin Website
- Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles
- Broadstaffglobal.com
About
Mike has over 40 years of construction industry experience beginning his career as an Apprentice Electrician. He joined Rosendin in 2002 as a Division Manager in the Arizona office and grew the office and team, becoming Vice President of Operations. Mike’s management and field experience have provided him with the skillset and expertise to grow highly technical and effective operations teams across the country. As Chief Executive Officer, Mike will continue to build on Rosendin’s foundations to lead, inspire, and build while positioning the company as an innovative industry leader.
Mike Greenawalt’s journey is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and people. A self-proclaimed “gearhead” from Sunnyslope High School, Mike began his career as an electrical apprentice with the Phoenix Electrical JATC and IBEW Local 640.
