Editor’s note: The following has been adapted from a release distributed by Apprenti.
NC State’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy is teaming up with Apprenti, a leading Registered Apprenticeship ambassador and intermediary, to launch the first-ever nationwide registered AI (artificial intelligence) Associate apprenticeship program in the U.S. to include national standards for AI. The Apprenti AI Apprenticeship program will leverage the organization’s extensive experience in developing and deploying highly successful Registered Apprenticeship programs in the technology space, as well as recent expansions into new industries including human resources and life sciences, amongst others, as well as innovative models that incorporate upskilling talent. With the addition of the AI Associate program to these pre-existing offerings, Apprenti expects to be able to increase to a total of 5,000 apprenticeships annually. Designed specifically for full-time working adults, this initiative offers a flexible, comprehensive pathway to upskilling in AI, with no career pause required.
“In today’s rapidly evolving job market, it’s essential that employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive alongside AI technologies and tools,” says Jennifer Carlson, CEO of Apprenti. “Through this innovative apprenticeship program, we are breaking down barriers for working adults to gain the technical expertise they need without interrupting their careers. This is about empowering workers and ensuring businesses can unlock the full potential of AI, ethically and effectively. We are also raising the bar on AI training and upskilling by rolling out the first program of its kind with national standards at its core.”
Built in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, the program already has a proven track record of success through NC State’s initial launch of the AI Academy in 2020, having trained over 2,000 AI associates and more than 100 employer partners. Now expanding nationally, the initiative combines rigorous technical instruction with real-world relevance. Over the course of one year, participants will engage in four, 10-week virtual sessions featuring 1:1 mentorship, live instructor-led seminars, and personalized projects that integrate AI directly into participants’ current jobs.
Carla C. Johnson, executive director of the AI Academy and professor of STEM Education in the College of Education at NC State, said: “We are very excited about this powerful partnership with Apprenti to expand our innovative AI workforce development program coursework to new employers and participants across the U.S. We welcome the opportunity to grow our network, which has included partners from every sector of industry. The need for AI talent is immense and we are looking forward to being a key resource in increasing the pipeline of AI professionals.”
The most recent research from Light Cast reveals that job postings requiring AI skills offer salaries that are 28% higher than postings that do not, representing roughly $18,000 more per year. With this new program, participants will receive a nationally recognized certificate from the AI Academy at NC State University, enabling them to not only upskill in their current positions but also enhance their prospects in any future career.
Moreover, the Light Cast study reveals that a variety of industries are adopting AI at different rates, making it imperative for organizations to stay ahead of AI advancements specific to their sector. Through live mentorship and personalized learning, this program allows participants to specialize their AI skills according to their individual associate roles, equipping them with targeted expertise that directly addresses the evolving needs of their employers.
With a proven talent pipeline and infrastructure already in place, Apprenti is uniquely positioned to scale this initiative across industries, ensuring that employers future-proof their teams, and individuals future-proof their careers.
- To learn more about Apprenti and this new program, visit www.apprenticareers.org
- To learn more about the AI Academy at NC State University, visit ai-academy.ncsu.edu