New Jersey’s community colleges have introduced the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor-registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship at the NJ AI Hub in Princeton. The program is led by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development and aims to create a scalable framework for developing advanced artificial intelligence talent statewide.
Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC), said, “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. 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, added, “This apprenticeship represents what’s possible when education, government, and industry come together with a shared purpose.”
She continued, “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 using an earn-and-learn model. Participants start with a pre-apprenticeship at Camden County College or the County College of Morris and earn academic credit while learning foundational skills aligned with industry needs. They then earn a Data Science certificate while working full-time under industry mentors.
Jeffrey Oakman, Senior Strategic Project Manager at the NJ AI Hub, said, “This program reflects the NJ AI Hub’s mission to accelerate AI innovation through collaboration. 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, noted: “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 stated during the launch event on January 14: “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 the launch as a “history-defining moment,” saying: “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 industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and logistics increase their use of artificial intelligence across New Jersey—a trend reflected among many private-sector employers represented by organizations like the New Jersey Business & Industry Association—the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
The registered apprenticeship offers an alternative pathway into high-demand careers while providing businesses with trained employees ready for technological advancements.
Employers interested in hiring apprentices or learning more about this initiative can contact the NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development.
