New Jersey has taken a major step forward in workforce innovation when New Jersey’s Community Colleges officially launched the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor-registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship at the NJ AI Hub in Princeton.
The announcement marked a landmark achievement in aligning higher education, industry, and workforce development around one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.
The Machine Learning Data Scientist / AI Registered Apprenticeship, led by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, establishes a first-of-its-kind, USDOL-recognized model for developing advanced AI talent in New Jersey.
Designed with scalability in mind, the program creates a framework that can be expanded statewide to support both traditional industries and emerging sectors increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning.
“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.”
“This apprenticeship represents what’s possible when education, government, and industry come together with a shared purpose,” said Catherine Starghill, Esq., Vice President and Chief Workforce Innovation Officer, NJCCC.
“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 blends rigorous academic instruction with real-world, paid experience through an earn-and-learn model. Participants begin with a pre-apprenticeship at Camden County College or the County College of Morris, earning academic credit while building foundational, industry-aligned skills. Apprentices then earn a Data Science academic certificate while working full-time for one year under the guidance of 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.”
State higher education leaders emphasized the program’s role in expanding opportunities while supporting economic growth.
“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,” added Angela Bethea, Acting New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education.
“Today, we celebrate the power of community colleges to deliver world-class AI talent without limits, without delay, and without exclusion,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College during the launch event on Jan. 14.
Dr. Anthony Iacono, President of the County College of Morris told the crowd: “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.”
Industry partners also emphasized the value of the model for employers navigating rapid technological change.
Marc Cohen, Managing Director for Environment, Safety & Health and CIO at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, called the launch a “history-defining moment.” During his remarks, he added, “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 businesses across New Jersey integrate AI into operations – from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to finance and logistics – the demand for skilled AI professionals continues to accelerate. This registered apprenticeship offers employers a reliable talent pipeline while providing workers with a debt-reducing, career-advancing alternative to traditional education and training pathways.
By launching the state’s first USDOL-registered Data Scientist AI apprenticeship, New Jersey’s Community Colleges and their partners are positioning the state as a national leader in innovative workforce solutions and reaffirming a shared commitment to economic competitiveness, equity, and opportunity.
Employers interested in hiring AI apprentices or learning more about the program are encouraged to email the NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development at njpathways@njccc.org.
