Jason Graves, Senior Director of Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship, recently joined a national panel titled AI in Apprenticeship. The June webinar, co-hosted by Apprenticeships for America (AFA) and the Manhattan Strategy Group’s Supply Chain Automation Workforce Hub, featured insights from thought leaders including Motez Kind, Executive Director of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), and Mailette Lopez, Director of Training and Strategy at MANSCO.
The webinar spotlighted Indiana’s commitment to integrating AI skills across its 900 registered apprenticeship sponsors. With 25,000 apprentices currently enrolled statewide and a long-term goal of reaching one million, Indiana continues to position itself as a national leader in workforce transformation.
“Our approach is about equipping employers and communities with the support they need to innovate and thrive,” said Jason Graves. “AI is a game-changer because of the tremendous value it offers.”
To support this transformation, Indiana has invested in 40 statewide frictionless fiber stations and is exploring energy alternatives, such as converting coal plants to nuclear to meet AI’s growing power demands. These infrastructure investments underscore the state’s broader need to prepare not just individuals, but entire systems, for AI integration.
With projections suggesting AI could deliver an additional $87 billion to Indiana’s economy by 2038, DWD’s emphasis remains on long-term, strategic workforce development.
“Indiana is a state preparing for the future,” said Josh Richardson, DWD Commissioner. “Our investments in AI will empower our workforce to meet the moment.”
The panel discussion served as a powerful reminder of DWD’s forward thinking approach to AI integration, highlighting the potential benefits to Indiana’s apprenticeship framework and the State of Indiana’s economic future.
