Preparing the Workforce to Build Better
At The Barn, Walbridge’s Safety & Quality Center (SQC) prepares experienced electrical and mechanical professionals to work safely, consistently, and effectively in hyperscale data center construction.
The 13,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in an environment that replicates real project conditions. The program emphasizes practical skills, project expectations, best practices, and a shared approach to safety and quality across trades.
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Application
Located at The Barn in Saline, Michigan, the 13,000-square-foot modular facility is designed to replicate the conditions, equipment, and processes professionals encounter on a hyperscale data center project. The SQC features two dedicated areas:
- Electrical – Five hands-on stations support skills development across key electrical systems and activities, including medium- and low-voltage terminations, equipment inspection, energization, functional Lockout/Tagout, and best practices from OFCI manufacturers.
- Mechanical – Dedicated hands-on stations focus on piping installation quality, valve and fitting installation, pressurization procedures, and mechanical Lockout/Tagout.
The facility also includes two 35-seat classrooms, representative project equipment, project-standard signage, arc flash labeling, CxAlloy tags, an InfraLink Lockout/Tagout station, and Walbridge Quality Boards.
Building Competency Through Practice
The SQC combines approximately 30% classroom and 70% hands-on experience focused on improving safety and quality. Participants complete foundational instruction about working in a hyperscale data center before moving into specialty modules based on their role and upcoming tasks.
The program is competency-based, with participants demonstrating their ability to perform assigned tasks safely and correctly. Coaching and reassessment are provided as needed.
Supporting Safe, Quality Work at The Barn
The Safety & Quality Center is designed to help the workforce begin aligned, stay sharp, and deliver quality work. By bringing practical instruction, project-specific expectations, and cross-trade collaboration together in one facility, Walbridge is investing in the people and processes that support successful data center construction.