When we first wrote about Meta's LevelUp program back in April, it had just been announced — you could only register your interest and wait. That's changed. Applications are now officially open, the first training cohorts are confirmed, and there's a real path to apply today.
If you've been thinking about breaking into fiber or data center work, this is one of the most accessible on-ramps that has ever existed. Let's walk through what it is, what's new, and exactly how to apply.
What is the LevelUp program?
LevelUp is a four-week, hands-on training program run by CBRE — the largest installer and technician training company in the world — on behalf of Meta. You'll learn to install fiber-optic cables, network equipment, and the infrastructure that powers Meta's data centers. When you finish, you're placed at a Meta data center and employed by one of Meta's contractors.
How to apply — step by step
The application process is straightforward. Here's exactly what to do:
- 1Go to the official application page at CBRE's LevelUp portal and click "Register Now"
- 2Complete the application form with your basic information and background
- 3Indicate your location and willingness to train in Ohio or Indiana (the first cohort sites) — relocation and travel are covered
- 4Submit and watch your email for next steps from CBRE's recruiting team
- 5While you wait, strengthen your application by studying for the FOA CFOT certification — it signals you're serious and motivated
What's included — the full breakdown
CBRE has now published the complete details of what you get. Here's the honest list:
- ✓Comprehensive paid training — all training costs covered, including travel expenses, plus you earn an hourly wage while you learn
- ✓A job waiting for you — after completing the program you're placed at a Meta data center, employed by one of Meta's contractors
- ✓Competitive pay and benefits from day one of your placement
- ✓Relocation covered — if you need to move after completing the program, those expenses are covered
- ✓Transferable skills — what you learn applies across the entire construction and data center industry, not just at Meta
- ✓A clear path to advance — this is a foundation to grow within the data center industry
Who is it for?
LevelUp is open to anyone interested in becoming a fiber technician — no prior experience required. CBRE specifically says they're looking for people who are reliable, eager to learn, and enjoy solving problems. That's the whole bar.
It's built for recent high school graduates exploring their options, people looking to start a new career, and workers wanting to transition into a high-demand skilled trade. If you're in retail, food service, warehouse work, or anything else and want out — this is designed for exactly you.
What will you actually learn?
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab work using the same equipment found at Meta's real data center sites. You'll come out knowing how to:
- 1Follow safety protocols and use power tools correctly
- 2Install fiber-optic cables inside data center environments
- 3Set up complex data center infrastructure and high-tech cabling
- 4Work with mission-critical infrastructure safely and accurately
- 5Apply skills that transfer across the broader construction and tech industries
Why is Meta doing this?
This isn't charity — it's a business problem they're solving. The U.S. construction industry faces a shortage of roughly 349,000 workers, with skilled trades particularly in demand. Meanwhile Meta is spending heavily on AI infrastructure and needs people to physically build it.
By creating LevelUp, Meta is building its own talent pipeline — and you get to benefit. Since 2011, Meta data center projects have supported more than 45,000 skilled trade jobs during construction. LevelUp is how they're filling the next wave.
What's the earning potential?
Entry-level fiber and data center technicians typically start between $45,000 and $57,000 per year. With a few years of experience and additional certifications, that climbs to $75,000–$110,000. Data center tech salaries jumped 43% over the past three years driven by AI demand. For a full breakdown, see our fiber technician salary guide.
Should you apply to LevelUp, or get started on your own?
Our honest take: do both. Apply to LevelUp now that it's open — it's a genuinely excellent opportunity with paid training and a job at the end. But while you wait to hear back, keep building your own path too.
Start studying for your CFOT certification. Apply to entry-level fiber roles in your area. The people who land their first tech job fastest are the ones pursuing multiple paths at once. LevelUp is a strong arrow in your quiver — but it shouldn't be the only one.
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