Apprenti Announces AI Registered Apprenticeship Program to Meet Major Need for AI Trained Workers

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SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 16, 2025--

Apprenti, a leading Registered Apprenticeship ambassador and intermediary, is teaming up with North Carolina State University’s (NC State) AI Academy 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, 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.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, a staggering 77% of employees report feeling unsure about how to apply AI tools in their day-to-day roles, according to recent findings from Slingshot. Despite rapid investments in AI technologies and the current administration in Washington’s initiative to build AI dominance, companies are falling short in providing the essential employee education and training needed to harness AI’s full potential. As a result, workers are unprepared to use AI in an ethical, secure and impactful way.

“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 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 virtual 10-week sessions featuring 1:1 mentorship, live instructor-led seminars, and personalized projects that integrate AI directly into participants’ current jobs. Dr. Carla C. Johnson, Executive Director of the AI Academy and Professor of STEM Education in the College of Education at NC State University, shared “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 Lightcast 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 Lightcast study reveals that all kinds 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. Not only is this imperative to enhance careers, but it’s becoming increasingly crucial with the current administration’s aims to build AI dominance.

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

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250916387745/en/

Bri Durham, General Manager of Training Operations ([email protected]) or visitwww.apprenticareers.org

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIVERSITY

SOURCE: Apprenti

Copyright Business Wire 2025.

PUB: 09/16/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 09/16/2025 08:59 AM

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