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Skills2Pay Initiative

Connecting Students to Career-Ready Internships and Apprenticeships

Skills2Pay connects educational institutions and employers to provide students with IBM SkillsBuild Training and guaranteed, paid internships, ensuring they gain hands-on experience with industry leaders in fields such as healthcare, IT, data analytics, and more.

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Skills2Pay Initiative Overview

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence is the key to keeping students future-proof. We also understand the importance of students having a clear view of their career options before they graduate. Moreover, we believe it's unfair to expect students to work for free to gain experience.

Which is why we're taking steps to change that.

The Skills2Pay Initiative offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through paid internships and pre-apprenticeships. The initiative connects students with employers seeking skilled talent, while providing mentorship and professional development.


With a focus on Artificial Intelligence skills, students are prepared for real-world challenges, bridging the gap between education and full-time careers. This program is a stepping stone to a successful and sustainable future-proof career.

Program Benefits

For Colleges/Universities

Universities enhance their reputation, boosting graduate employability.

For Employers

Employers access skilled, pre-vetted interns at no cost, fostering workforce development.

For Students

Students gain paid internship experience and valuable AI/ML skills for better job opportunities.

Benefits for Colleges/Universities

Partnering with the Skills2Pay Initiative allows universities to offer students valuable real-world experience through guaranteed internships and pre-apprenticeships. By incorporating Artificial Intelligence training, universities ensure all graduates, regardless of major, are equipped with in-demand skills, enhancing their employability and setting the institution apart as a leader in workforce preparation.

Benefits For Employers

Employers gain free access to a pool of motivated, pre-vetted students ready to contribute. With training resources provided, employers can seamlessly integrate students into their teams, while evaluating potential long-term hires without financial risk.

Benefits for Students

Students receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship, and career readiness resources, positioning them for success in the job market. The program offers a clear pathway to full-time careers, ensuring students gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their professional journeys.

How It Works

For Students

Gain hands-on experience through paid internships and pre-apprenticeships, while receiving mentorship and career readiness resources.

To participate in the Skills2Pay Program, students must enroll through their college or university’s designated contact. Once enrolled, students will be matched with employers offering paid internships or pre-apprenticeship positions. Throughout the internship, students will receive mentorship and career readiness resources while gaining valuable hands-on experience in AI/ML skills.

For Employers

Partner with us to access pre-vetted student talent, build a pipeline of skilled professionals, and contribute to workforce development.

Employers interested in participating must reach out to us to express their interest in offering paid internships or pre-apprenticeship opportunities. After joining, employers will provide job descriptions and select eligible students to participate. Throughout the program, employers will mentor students, offer hands-on experience, and provide feedback to track their progress and success.

For Universities

Enhance your academic programs by connecting students to paid internship opportunities, increasing graduate employability.

Universities can participate by establishing a partnership with us to integrate AI/ML internships into their curriculum. To ensure all students gain foundational AI/ML skills, the university president or provost must agree to require freshmen to take the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, regardless of their program of study. Once partnered, universities will work with us to identify students who can benefit from these opportunities. The university will collaborate to ensure students are enrolled in the program and receive the necessary support throughout their internship experience.

Join the Revolution

Together, we’ll bridge the gap and lead workforce innovation, empowering students, employers, and universities to succeed and thrive.

Join Us!