Semper Forward and BuildNow Partner to Launch Veterans into Data Center Careers

Strategic alliance connects transitioning service members and veterans to accelerated, hands-on training and mission-critical jobs in the data center industry.

GREEN BAY, WI, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Semper Forward, a Division of Fastport, an organization dedicated to connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with meaningful civilian careers, today announced a strategic alliance with BuildNow, a workforce development platform building the talent pipeline for the data center industry, to move veterans into accelerated technical training and careers in mission-critical environments.

As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continue to expand nationwide, the data center industry is growing rapidly to support healthcare, communications, finance, manufacturing, and national security. Demand for qualified technicians, operators, electricians, and project managers is increasing faster than traditional workforce pipelines can support.

At the same time, more than 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year with the discipline, technical aptitude, leadership experience, and mission focus these environments demand but often without a clear pathway to translate those skills into high-demand civilian careers. Veterans represent a proven talent pool uniquely positioned to help close that workforce gap while supporting the infrastructure powering America's digital future.

This alliance connects those two needs. By pairing Semper Forward’s military talent network with BuildNow’s accelerated, hands-on training model, the partnership helps veterans move from transition to a job-ready technical career in a matter of weeks, while giving data center employers a dependable pipeline of reliable, mission-driven talent.

Through the partnership, Semper Forward will connect transitioning service members and veterans to BuildNow’s career tracks — Operations (Mechanical & Electrical), Delivery (Electrical), Operations (IT), and Data Center Project Manager. BuildNow delivers immersive, lab-based training through its partner ForgeNow, a SkillBridge-approved provider, getting candidates job-ready in about six to eight weeks with no prior industry experience required. Advisors help veterans choose the right track, translate military experience into industry skills, apply eligible GI Bill^® and SkillBridge benefits, and connect with employers who are actively hiring.

“The men and women leaving military service bring exactly what mission-critical industries are built on — precision, accountability, and a commitment to the mission. BuildNow gives them a fast, hands-on path to translate that into a real technical career, and the data center industry gets the reliable, disciplined talent it urgently needs. This is the kind of partnership that changes lives and strengthens the workforce at the same time.”
— Brad Bentley, President, Fastport

“Veterans already know how to operate in structured, high-stakes environments where safety and uptime are everything — that’s daily life in a data center. Partnering with Semper Forward lets us reach more of these men and women and give them a clear, accelerated path into careers where their experience is an immediate asset.”
— Dave Kurtz, President, BuildNow

What the partnership offers transitioning service members and veterans:

• Accelerated, hands-on training that gets candidates job-ready in about six to eight weeks — no prior civilian experience required
• Four data center career tracks: Operations (Mechanical & Electrical), Delivery (Electrical), Operations (IT), and Data Center Project Manager
• Training delivered by ForgeNow, a SkillBridge-approved partner, with support for eligible GI Bill^® and veteran education benefits
• Skill translation, career advising, and connections to employers with real openings in mission-critical environments

About BuildNow

BuildNow is a workforce development platform focused on building a sustainable talent pipeline for the data center industry. Powered by hands-on training from ForgeNow, BuildNow connects people to high-demand technical careers in as little as six to eight weeks and supports employers with job-ready talent for mission-critical environments. BuildNow is an Overwatch Mission Critical company. Learn more at webuildnow.ai.

About Semper Forward, a Division of Fastport

Semper Forward, a division of Fastport, connects educational institutions and employers with motivated talent through strategic outreach, recruitment campaigns, and workforce pipeline development solutions. Semper Forward is committed to supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and military spouses as they transition to civilian careers through a robust network of partners and resources. Learn more at www.semperforward.com.

Paige Faulconer
Fastport
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