New Jersey’s Community Colleges Launch State’s First USDOL-Registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship, Advancing New Jersey’s Innovation Economy
January 15, 2026, Princeton, New Jersey – New Jersey took a major step forward in workforce innovation yesterday as New Jersey’s Community Colleges officially launched the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)–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, PhD., 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.
“The New Jersey AI Hub is excited to be part of this AI registered apprenticeship, which blends hands-on, real-world experience with academic training that can build toward a degree,” said Liat Krawczyk, Executive Director of the NJ AI Hub. “Experiential learning is foundational to AI education. Programs that connect theory to practice are critical to building an inclusive, job-ready workforce that meets New Jersey’s rapidly evolving industry needs.”
“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.”
The apprenticeship is officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, reinforcing its quality and value for both workers and employers.
“As we look to the future, let us embrace AI as a tool for empowerment, innovation, and growth,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development during his remarks. “This apprenticeship program is a critical step in that direction, ensuring that our workforce is equipped to thrive in an AI-driven world. By investing in education and training, we are laying the foundation for a resilient economy that can adapt to the rapid advancements of our times, because that’s what we do here in New Jersey.”
State higher education leaders emphasized the program’s role in expanding opportunity 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 from the podium.
“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.
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.
About the New Jersey Council of County Colleges
Governed by the presidents and trustees of the state’s 18 community colleges and enshrined in state law, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges supports more than 250,000 students annually across 47 locations. The Council champions collaborative solutions that expand access to higher education, foster student achievement, advance equity, and build the skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow New Jersey’s economy.
