Building an AI-Ready Workforce – Literacy, Skills, and Industry Applications

This AI Workforce Development Program is designed to equip NJMEP clients and their workforce with the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and practical applications necessary to succeed in an AI-driven economy. Participants will learn how to understand, apply, and govern artificial intelligence tools and techniques in real-world business settings. The program aligns with NJMEP’s mission of building a future-ready manufacturing and distribution workforce. 8-Hour Condensed Program (1-Day Intensive) Title: AI for the Modern Workforce: Foundations and Practical Applications Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact (1 Hour) Understand core AI concepts and their impact across industries. Learn how AI is transforming manufacturing, logistics, and business operations. Module 2: Foundational AI Literacy (1.5 Hours) Differentiate AI from automation and analytics. Explore AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Power BI. Includes hands-on activities for business tasks. Module 3: Applied AI & Machine Learning Basics (1.5 Hours) Learn about machine learning models, training vs. inference, and explore AutoML. Build a simple predictive model using no-code tools. Module 4: AI in Action — Practical Industry Use Cases (2 Hours) Explore use cases like predictive maintenance, quality control, and customer service automation. Participants develop their own industry-relevant use case. Module 5: Responsible and Ethical AI (1 Hour) Understand AI ethics, bias, transparency, and privacy regulations. Review case studies on ethical AI implementation. Module 6: AI Career Pathways and Workforce Integration (1 Hour) Explore AI career opportunities, resume enhancement, and connect with employers adopting AI technologies. 16-Hour Comprehensive Program (2-Day Course)