Amazon and Corning deal adds fiber optics training program in North Carolina

The multibillion-dollar agreement includes 1,000 manufacturing jobs, construction roles, and a workforce pathway with Catawba Valley Community College.

Amazon’s agreement with Corning will supply optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for its data center infrastructure across the United States. Image credit: Amazon

Amazon has announced a multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning Incorporated that will create a fiber optics workforce training program with Catawba Valley Community College in North Carolina, alongside new manufacturing and construction jobs tied to Amazon’s data center infrastructure.

The deal, will see Corning supply optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for Amazon’s expanding data centers across the United States. It will also create 1,000 new advanced manufacturing jobs at Corning’s North Carolina facilities and support hundreds of construction roles linked to facility expansion.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman also shared the announcement on LinkedIn, where he said Amazon had already invested more than $20 billion in North Carolina and created more than 26,000 jobs across the state.

The new workforce program will expand Corning’s Fiber Optic Technician Training Program with Catawba Valley Community College. Students will receive hands-on education for careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related technical roles, including fiber optics and fusion splicing.

Amazon said the agreement follows previously announced plans to invest $10 billion in North Carolina to expand cloud computing infrastructure. The new Corning deal adds a workforce development component to that data center expansion, with training tied directly to advanced manufacturing roles in the state.

Training linked to data center supply chain

The fiber optics training program will focus on technical skills needed in manufacturing and related roles. Amazon said the program is intended to increase the talent pool for fiber optic manufacturing while supporting the domestic supply chain.

Corning’s optical fiber and connectivity products are used in the infrastructure behind Amazon’s data centers. Amazon said those data centers support services used by hospitals, emergency services, streaming platforms, businesses, and AI systems.

Garman says: "Amazon's investments in North Carolina have created more than 26,000 jobs across the state. This multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning continues that commitment, channeling investment into American manufacturing and creating 1,000 new jobs at their facilities near our data centers," said Matt Garman, CEO of AWS. "We're also partnering to train North Carolinians for highly skilled roles in fiber optics and fusion splicing. These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where we operate."

Amazon has also provided practical training for nearly 7,000 people in North Carolina through workforce development, Career Choice, and upskilling programs.

Corning expands North Carolina manufacturing

Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass and fiber optic technology, will expand production at its North Carolina facilities under the agreement. The announcement does not give a timeline for when the 1,000 manufacturing jobs will be filled or when the construction roles will begin.

Wendell Weeks, Chairman, CEO, and President of Corning, comments: "This agreement with Amazon represents a significant milestone for Corning and for American manufacturing," said Wendell Weeks, chairman, CEO, and president of Corning. "For 175 years, Corning has pioneered the technologies that connect people and transform industries. Amazon's investment will help us expand production, create 1,000 new advanced manufacturing jobs at our facilities, and lead the way toward building a resilient U.S. manufacturing base."

U.S. Senator Ted Budd also linked the announcement to workforce development and manufacturing in North Carolina: "Every day, North Carolina is proving that American manufacturing and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand. This multibillion-dollar agreement, between Amazon and Corning, will create 1,000 family-sustaining jobs for hardworking North Carolinians while also strengthening the critical infrastructure of the U.S. supply chain. This partnership further proves that North Carolina is the number one state in the country for American businesses to invest, build, and grow. As a leading voice in the Senate for workforce development and American manufacturing, I am proud that we are continuing to capitalize on that momentum in North Carolina."

The next step is the expansion of Corning’s North Carolina operations and the workforce training program with Catawba Valley Community College. Amazon has not disclosed a start date for the training expansion or the number of students expected to take part.