Community Colleges in NJ Offer Hands-On-Training for Data Science and AI
As employers seek workers who can effectively use data science and artificial intelligence, the County College of Morris and Camden County College are working to train students quickly and strategically.
The County College of Morris (CCM) is using an apprenticeship model to train workers for an AI-driven economy without requiring a four-year degree.
CCM is one of two New Jersey community colleges selected to partner with the AI Hub at Princeton University and the NJ Council of County Colleges on the Registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship. A news release said the program, supported by a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) grant, combines classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training with workforce partners.
The program aims to expand access to data science and AI training at a time when those skills are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of data scientists to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5 percent growth across all occupations, and the World Economic Forum likewise identifies AI and big data as the fastest-growing skills in its 2025 employer survey.
The news release said the 16- to 18-month program is designed to remove a major barrier to technical education — cost. Tuition and fees are covered for participating apprentices, and students will earn an estimated $48,880 in wages during workplace training over the course of the apprenticeship.