For Students

What is the Skills2Pay Initiative?

The Skills2Pay Initiative is a program designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through paid internships and pre-apprenticeships in artificial intelligence. The program connects students with employers, offering mentorship and career readiness resources to bridge the gap between education and a full-time career.

How do I apply for the Skills2Pay Program?

If your university is enrolled in the IBM SkillsBuild program, you are eligible for guaranteed placement in an internship or pre-apprenticeship. If your university is not enrolled, you can still apply on your own, but placement is not guaranteed. To apply for available opportunities, visit http://www.parkerdewey.com and sign up for opportunities.

What types of internships and pre-apprenticeships are available?

Internships and pre-apprenticeships are available in various fields, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence-related tasks. These opportunities may include roles in data analysis, machine learning, AI software development, and other positions that prepare you for a future-proof career in technology.

What qualifications do I need to participate in the program?

Students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and meet the eligibility criteria for each opportunity. To be eligible for guaranteed placement, students must complete a 3-hour artificial intelligence course through IBM SkillsBuild, which is required by your university.

Will I be paid for my internship or pre-apprenticeship?

Yes, all internships and pre-apprenticeships within the Skills2Pay Initiative are paid, ensuring that students gain valuable career experience while receiving financial support.

How are internships and pre-apprenticeships aligned with my degree program?

Internships are designed to align with your academic studies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence tasks. These opportunities help complement your coursework and offer real-world experience to enhance your career path.

What kind of mentorship and career readiness resources will I receive?

Throughout your internship, you will be mentored by industry professionals. You will also have access to career development resources, including resume building, interview preparation, and advice on professional development to help you transition from education to a full-time career.

Will the program help me find a full-time job after the internship?

While the program does not guarantee full-time employment, it does connect you with employers and offers networking opportunities that may lead to job prospects. Many employers consider hiring interns as full-time employees after a successful internship experience.

Do I need to already have artificial intelligence skills to participate?

Prior experience in artificial intelligence is not required. The Skills2Pay Initiative provides a learning environment for students to gain valuable AI skills during their internship and develop hands-on experience.

What support will I receive during my internship?

You will receive ongoing mentorship and guidance from professionals in your field, as well as career development support and access to valuable resources throughout your internship.

How long is the internship or pre-apprenticeship?

The length of the internship or pre-apprenticeship varies depending on the opportunity and the employer’s needs. Generally, internships and pre-apprenticeships last between 8 to 12 weeks, but the duration can vary.

What happens after I complete my internship?

After completing your internship, you will receive feedback from your employer, a certificate of completion, and possibly a job offer if there is a good fit. You will also have the chance to continue your professional development through additional resources or opportunities.

For Employers

How do I partner with the Skills2Pay Initiative?

To partner with us, you can reach out via our website or contact our program team. We handle all administrative tasks, including finding and vetting students for your internship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. Once partnered, you’ll be able to post available positions and review applicants.

What is the process for hiring interns or pre-apprentices for my organization?

After partnering with the Skills2Pay Initiative, we will help you define the internship or pre-apprenticeship opportunities. You will then be able to review applications and select the best-fit candidates. We manage all the administrative steps, from vetting to placement.

What are the benefits of offering paid internships or pre-apprenticeships?

Offering paid internships and pre-apprenticeships allows your organization to access a pool of talented, pre-vetted students with relevant artificial intelligence skills. You also contribute to workforce development and gain fresh ideas from passionate, skilled students. Additionally, many employers choose to hire interns as full-time employees after successful internships.

What kind of students are involved in the program?

Students involved in the Skills2Pay Initiative are enrolled in accredited universities and are eligible to participate after completing a required 3-hour artificial intelligence course through IBM SkillsBuild. They have a foundational understanding of AI and are eager to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

What type of artificial intelligence tasks should I provide for students?

As an employer, you should provide students with opportunities to complete tasks related to artificial intelligence. This could include work in areas such as machine learning, data analysis, AI software development, and related tasks that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

What support will I receive as an employer in the program?

We will provide you with support throughout the process, including assistance with recruitment, program setup, and guidance on working with interns. Additionally, we offer resources to help you provide effective mentorship to students, ensuring a successful internship experience.

Can I hire interns or pre-apprentices full-time after the program?

Yes, many employers choose to hire their interns as full-time employees after completing the program. The Skills2Pay Initiative helps build a pipeline of future talent for your organization, and interns often become long-term hires.

What is the expected duration of an internship or pre-apprenticeship?

The duration of the internship or pre-apprenticeship depends on the opportunity and your organization’s needs. Internships typically last 8 to 12 weeks, but this may vary based on the employer’s requirements.

What is the cost for employers to participate in the program?

There is no cost for employers to participate in the Skills2Pay Initiative. The program is designed to provide free support to employers in exchange for offering internship or pre-apprenticeship opportunities in artificial intelligence.

For Universities

How can our university participate in the Skills2Pay Initiative?

Universities can participate by enrolling in the IBM SkillsBuild program, which is free for all participating institutions. To guarantee placement for your students in internships or pre-apprenticeships, your university must require all freshmen to complete a 3-hour artificial intelligence course through IBM SkillsBuild.

What is the role of universities in the Skills2Pay Initiative?

Universities play a critical role in requiring all incoming freshmen to complete the 3-hour artificial intelligence course through IBM SkillsBuild. This course ensures that students are equipped with foundational AI knowledge, making them eligible for internships and pre-apprenticeships.

What are the benefits for our students?

Students gain hands-on experience through paid internships and pre-apprenticeships focused on artificial intelligence tasks. The program helps bridge the gap between their academic studies and their future careers by providing valuable career readiness resources, mentorship, and real-world AI experience.

Is there any cost for universities to join the program?

There is no cost to universities for participating in the IBM SkillsBuild program. However, to gain access to the exclusive Skills2Pay pathway for paid internships, students must enroll directly through Skills2Pay.

What steps should we take to integrate this program into our curriculum?

To integrate the Skills2Pay Initiative, universities must enroll in the IBM SkillsBuild program and require all freshmen to complete the 3-hour artificial intelligence course.

How do we ensure our students get placed in internships or pre-apprenticeships?

Once students complete the required course, they become eligible for placement through Skills2Pay.

Can we track the success of students who participate in the program?

Yes, universities can track success through employer feedback and post-internship outcomes.