Harnessing AI to Build a Skilled, Competitive Workforce

For many workers, advancing their careers means gaining new skills—but traditional training programs can be expensive, time-consuming, and hard to fit into busy lives. Imagine a single parent working full-time who wants to transition into a better-paying tech job but struggles to find the time or resources for training. Many companies, too, face challenges: They need skilled employees but can’t afford slow, outdated training methods that don’t scale.

At the same time, many workforce programs rely on intensive instructor-led training that limits the number of people they can serve. Without more flexible, scalable solutions, businesses risk falling behind, and workers miss out on life-changing career opportunities. 
 

With funding from the AIR Opportunity Fund, AIR partnered with Per Scholas and the University of Memphis to pilot Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS)—an AI-driven learning tool designed to enhance workforce training and expand access to high-growth careers. Tested in Per Scholas’ IT Support course, which prepares learners for certifications needed to obtain entry-level IT positions, ITS provides:

• 24/7, on-demand learning, allowing workers to train at their own pace, whenever and wherever they choose.
   
• Personalized, AI-driven instruction, adapting to each learner’s needs and helping them master difficult concepts.
   
• Real-world problem-solving scenarios, ensuring workers gain job-ready skills, not just test-taking knowledge.
   
• Instructor support, reducing the burden on live training while improving learner engagement.

Unlike traditional tutoring, ITS gives instant, personalized feedback at a lower cost than human-led instruction—helping more workers prepare for high-demand jobs in technology and beyond.
 

ITS is already showing promise in helping workers upskill more effectively while making workforce training more scalable and cost-efficient. Learners gain confidence, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and are better prepared for real-world job challenges. At the same time, instructors can focus on high-impact teaching while AI provides individualized support.

By integrating cutting-edge AI with proven workforce strategies, AIR is helping businesses fill critical job openings while ensuring more workers gain the skills they need for high-paying, future-ready careers. As AI-driven learning expands, ITS has the potential to transform workforce development nationwide—making training smarter, faster, and more effective for both workers and employers.