Federal grant creating apprenticeship program in artificial intelligence at NCSU

WRAL ^ | Feb 18, 2020 | Laura Leslie

[NobleFree]

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University will be home to a new apprenticeship program in artificial intelligence as part of a federal push to train more workers in emerging fields.

U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia announced nearly $100 million in grants would be awarded to 28 public-private partnerships to help fill the more than 6.4 million job openings in the country.

"These grants aim to expand apprenticeships into industries that don’t have large-scale apprenticeship programs, currently industries that are often looking outside the U.S. for skilled workers using the H1B visa program," [NO, THEY'RE JUST LOOKING FOR *CHEAP* WORKERS] Scalia said. "Apprenticeships are paid positions that combine on-the-job training and mentorship with classroom instruction and which result in the end in a credential that’s recognized by other employers in the industry."

Scalia said many new fields require very specialized skills, but not necessarily a four-year degree. The one-year apprenticeship programs could help underemployed workers and military veterans gain job skills without taking on major debt.

Even mid-life professionals could get trained for a new career without going into major debt because they would be earning at least part-time pay while they’re doing it, he said.

Private employers would cover the cost of the training.

N.C. State's $6 million grant could help train up to 5,000 workers in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence. Other programs around the country would create new certifications in fields like cybersecurity, information technology and health care. [...]

[Edgar3]

My son graduated from State last May. Great engineering school. We are pleased with the outcome.