Addressing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Talent Gap: Outcomes of the First U.S. Nationally-Registered AI Apprenticeship Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the motivations for and impact of participating in program coursework and related workplace-based learning and provide insights into the emerging field of AI workforce training. This study drew on adult learning theory and the acknowledgement that learning takes place within the context of a complex and uncertain career landscape as described by the chaos theory of careers. A cross-sectional survey research study was conducted to determine participant motivations for attending the AI program as well as the impact of participation in the AI program on individuals in regard to personal benefits and career trajectories. Participants in the AI program were motivated by the opportunity for job growth, whether that was in current or future roles. Personal benefits, such as upskilling, career advancement potential, and growth in confidence were all reported outcomes of participation in the program. Though most respondents in this study indicated holding current roles in computer science areas, a majority were seeking to grow their AI content knowledge and skills in order to assume more responsibilities in this growing area or to move into new roles which emphasize AI specifically. © 2025 by the authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Apprenticeship Workforce development Artificial intelligence upskilling career trajectories data science

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Department of STEM Education, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States

Funding & Acknowledgements

North Carolina State University, NCSU

Funding text 1: This research was funded by the United States Department of Labor, grant number HG-34345 and The APC was funded by North Carolina State University.; Funding text 2: The AI Academy (AIA) was launched in 2020 with the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program of the Employment and Training Administration. The aim of the AIA was to upskill and reskill professionals representing diverse industry sectors and veterans of the U.S. military to meet AI workforce needs. The program, housed at a public university, offers industry credentials to adults seeking to develop and/or enhance their skills in the field of AI. The AIA partners with over 40 employers spanning a broad range of sectors including technology, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, energy, financial services, entertainment, retail services, transportation, and communications. Partners provide mentored work-based learning experiences for program participants. To date, over 2000 individuals have completed the AIA.

Employment and Training Administration, ETA

Funding text 1: This research was funded by the United States Department of Labor, grant number HG-34345 and The APC was funded by North Carolina State University.; Funding text 2: The AI Academy (AIA) was launched in 2020 with the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program of the Employment and Training Administration. The aim of the AIA was to upskill and reskill professionals representing diverse industry sectors and veterans of the U.S. military to meet AI workforce needs. The program, housed at a public university, offers industry credentials to adults seeking to develop and/or enhance their skills in the field of AI. The AIA partners with over 40 employers spanning a broad range of sectors including technology, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, energy, financial services, entertainment, retail services, transportation, and communications. Partners provide mentored work-based learning experiences for program participants. To date, over 2000 individuals have completed the AIA.

United States Department of Labor, DOL

Grant: HG-34345

Funding text 1: This research was funded by the United States Department of Labor, grant number HG-34345 and The APC was funded by North Carolina State University.; Funding text 2: The AI Academy (AIA) was launched in 2020 with the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program of the Employment and Training Administration. The aim of the AIA was to upskill and reskill professionals representing diverse industry sectors and veterans of the U.S. military to meet AI workforce needs. The program, housed at a public university, offers industry credentials to adults seeking to develop and/or enhance their skills in the field of AI. The AIA partners with over 40 employers spanning a broad range of sectors including technology, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, energy, financial services, entertainment, retail services, transportation, and communications. Partners provide mentored work-based learning experiences for program participants. To date, over 2000 individuals have completed the AIA.

United States Department of Labor, DOL

Funding text 1: This research was funded by the United States Department of Labor, grant number HG-34345 and The APC was funded by North Carolina State University.; Funding text 2: The AI Academy (AIA) was launched in 2020 with the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program of the Employment and Training Administration. The aim of the AIA was to upskill and reskill professionals representing diverse industry sectors and veterans of the U.S. military to meet AI workforce needs. The program, housed at a public university, offers industry credentials to adults seeking to develop and/or enhance their skills in the field of AI. The AIA partners with over 40 employers spanning a broad range of sectors including technology, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, energy, financial services, entertainment, retail services, transportation, and communications. Partners provide mentored work-based learning experiences for program participants. To date, over 2000 individuals have completed the AIA.

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Addressing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Talent Gap: Outcomes of the First U.S. Nationally-Registered AI Apprenticeship Program

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