Yadkin Valley News

Town of North Wilkesboro issued the following announcement on October 15.

Wayne County Community College to Graduate Program’s First Students in 2023

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Board of Community Colleges today approved North Carolina’s first and one of the country’s first associate degree program specializing in artificial intelligence (AI). The program will be offered at Wayne Community College with classes starting this fall and with the first students to graduate in 2023.

The program is intended to address the emerging shortage of individuals prepared for artificial intelligence careers in the service area of Wayne Community College, as well as North Carolina. Students enrolled in the programs may be qualified for work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities to enhance their learning during their studies.

Course work includes various subject areas related to AI fundamentals, machine learning, deep learning theory and hands-on training in multiple AI domains for the purpose of creating and implementing artificial intelligence across a broad range of applications. Graduates may qualify for entry-level AI positions such as AI engineer, AI project manager, AI researcher, AI consultant, AI architect, conversational AI specialist, AI automation engineer, AI software engineer and machine learning specialist.

AI is an evolving area of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that covers the theory and development of technology to simulate thinking, draw inferences according to context, discover meaning, reach conclusions based upon experiences, and make decisions by using complex and dynamic data.

“Delivering a highly-skilled and trained workforce in as little as two years is the heartbeat of our community colleges,” said Thomas Stith, president, N.C. Community College System. “The educational opportunities provided through our state’s Community College System will help North Carolina produce the workforce needed and stay competitive in the global marketplace.”

AI is an emerging technology that is expected to expand to touch all organizations and is predicted to grow into a $118.6 billion industry by 2025.

71% of executives say AI and machine learning are game-changers.

75% of businesses say AI will allow them to move to new ventures and other businesses.

79% of executives say AI will make work easier and more efficient.

78% of brands have already or are planning to implement AI.

54% of executives say AI tools have boosted productivity.

83% of businesses say AI is a strategic priority for their business today.

As of September 4, 2021, more than 17,500 remote AI job openings were posted on “ziprecruiter.com” employment site, with an average salary of $125,818.

Learn more about Wayne Community College's AI program.

Original source can be found here.