New Jersey’s community colleges have launched the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor-registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship at the NJ AI Hub in Princeton. The initiative is led by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development and introduces a model designed to develop advanced artificial intelligence talent across the state.
The Machine Learning Data Scientist / AI Registered Apprenticeship aims to align higher education, industry, and workforce development with sectors experiencing rapid growth in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning. The program is intended to be scalable statewide to support both established industries and new sectors increasingly reliant on these technologies.
“This is really a win for all of us. It’s a win for our students who will have incredible opportunities. It’s a win for our employers who will have workers who will help power the AI revolution,” stated Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC). “It’s a win for our colleges that continue to commit to transforming their work to make sure that we’re opening up more opportunities to all residents across the state.”
Catherine Starghill, Esq., Vice President and Chief Workforce Innovation Officer at NJCCC said, “This apprenticeship represents what’s possible when education, government, and industry come together with a shared purpose.”
“New Jersey’s community colleges are uniquely positioned to respond quickly to workforce needs, and this initiative ensures our students can access high-demand, high-wage careers while helping employers build the talent pipeline they urgently need.”
The apprenticeship combines academic instruction with paid work experience through an earn-and-learn model. Participants start with a pre-apprenticeship at Camden County College or County College of Morris where they earn academic credit while developing foundational skills aligned with industry needs. Apprentices then pursue a Data Science academic certificate while working full-time under guidance from industry mentors.
“This program reflects the NJ AI Hub’s mission to accelerate AI innovation through collaboration,” said Jeffrey Oakman, Senior Strategic Project Manager at the NJ AI Hub. “By connecting education and employers in a practical, outcomes-driven model, we’re creating real pathways for talent and positioning New Jersey as a national leader in applied AI workforce development.”
Angela Bethea, Acting New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education said: “It’s a pathway to opportunity, equity, and innovation, and together we are building a talent pipeline that will keep New Jersey at the forefront and connect our communities to the growing opportunities in the AI economy.”
Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College added during the launch event: “Today, we celebrate the power of community colleges to deliver world-class AI talent without limits, without delay, and without exclusion.”
Dr. Anthony Iacono, President of County College of Morris told attendees: “Because of you, schools like Camden and CCM (County College of Morris) and others are not going to simply change lives. They’re going to reshape companies. They’re going to reshape communities. They’re going to reshape the nation.”
Marc Cohen from Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory described it as a significant milestone: “Folks have been calling AI the natural catalyst for fusion development. This will help us design our next experiments. It will help us analyze the data that comes from these experiments. It will help us operate more efficiently, test new designs, and various other pieces of the fusion process.”
As more businesses across New Jersey adopt artificial intelligence—from manufacturing and healthcare to finance—the demand for skilled professionals continues rising. This registered apprenticeship offers companies access to trained workers while giving participants an alternative route into high-growth fields without incurring significant debt.
Employers interested in hiring apprentices or learning about this program can contact the NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development via njpathways@njccc.org.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association serves as one of several organizations supporting private-sector employers throughout New Jersey by facilitating partnerships among businesses, government entities such as educational institutions like these community colleges.
The association also works toward advancing competitive excellence among its members across many sectors—including manufacturing—by delivering essential information services and advocacy. Michele Siekerka leads as president and chief executive officer, continuing efforts begun since its founding in 1910 as noted on its official website.
