Applied AI Associate

What You’ll Earn

• High school diploma with the Employment Honors Plus seal
• INCAP credential — recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a Credential of Value and by technology employers across Indiana
• Optional industry certification: CompTIA AI Fundamentals (supplemental — program completion is based on demonstrated competency)
• College credit toward a related degree program, where accepted

Is This Apprenticeship Right for You?

This could be a great fit if you…

• Are curious about AI and emerging tech
• Enjoy analyzing information and finding patterns
• Like working with people and technology
• Want to solve real business challenges, not just study them

11th grade

2 days per week at your employer plus 8 hours per week of online Intercompany Training Center (ICC) instruction. The rest of the week is in school.

Summer after 11th

Full-time, 40 hours per week, at your employer for 8 weeks.

12th grade

3 days per week at your employer plus 8 hours per week of ICC instruction, with time in school for the classes you need to graduate.

Summer after 12th

Full-time, 40 hours per week, at your employer for 8 weeks. Two summers are part of the program.

Real Jobs This Program Prepares You For

Common roles INCAP graduates are prepared for include:

• Applied AI Associate
• AI Operations / Enablement Associate
• Junior Automation Specialist
• AI Workflow / Knowledge Operations Associate
• And many more

Program Documents

Official INCAP occupation materials, published by the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway:

• Occupation Profile (PDF, 2 pages)
• Student Journey at a Glance (PDF, 1 page)

Full occupation page on IndianaCAP.org: Applied AI Associate (High School)

How much do Applied AI Associate apprentices get paid?

Apprentices typically earn $13 to $17 per hour, set by the employer, for every working hour including ICC training time. Apprentices are employees, so they fall under their employer’s policies for benefits, performance reviews, and raises.

When does the apprenticeship start, and how long does it last?

Students explore tech careers in 9th and 10th grade and apply in 10th grade. The apprenticeship begins in 11th grade and runs two years, year-round, including both summers.

What does a typical week look like?

In 11th grade: two days a week at your employer plus eight hours a week of online ICC instruction, with the rest of the week in school. In 12th grade: three days at your employer plus eight hours of ICC. Both summers are full-time at your employer for eight weeks. On-site days are typically eight hours, with schedules set so you can keep extracurriculars.

What classes do I take?

There are no required high school courses. All technical coursework is delivered through the ICC, online, by TechIndiana with Awesome People Leaders and Ivy Tech Community College. Related classes such as computer science, business electives, and data-focused math are encouraged if your school offers them. The one requirement is a school schedule that lets you leave the building to work while completing what you need to graduate.

What will I earn when I finish?

You meet the key requirements for Indiana’s Employment Honors Plus diploma seal — at least 650 hours of work-based learning plus an INCAP credential, which the Indiana Department of Education recognizes as a Credential of Value. Apprentices typically exceed 2,000 hours. The INCAP credential may count toward college credit. CompTIA AI Fundamentals is available as an optional supplemental certification.

What is the work environment like?

Professional environments where AI tools are used to improve workflows and business operations. You’ll work alongside business professionals, technology teams, and analysts in a collaborative, project-based setting that rewards attention to detail, critical thinking, and responsible use of technology.

What skills will I learn?

AI skills: using generative AI tools, writing prompts, evaluating outputs. Data skills: organizing, validating, protecting, and interpreting data. Analytical skills: reports, visualizations, and recommendations. Professional skills: communication, collaboration, documentation, and project organization.

What jobs can I get afterward?

You’ll be prepared for junior roles such as Applied AI Associate, AI operations or enablement associate, junior automation specialist, and AI workflow or knowledge operations associate. Many apprentices are hired directly by their employer.

How do I find an opening?

Openings are not posted online and vary by region. Express interest with TechIndiana and we’ll connect you with your school counselor and your regional INCAP Connector, who guide you through the application.