Oneida County is actively shaping its future workforce through a new initiative focused on artificial intelligence. Recently, approximately 80 participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program completed an AI Awareness course held during the first week of August.
The pilot program resulted from a partnership between the Oneida County Office of Workforce Development and Mohawk Valley Community College. The curriculum focused on providing students with practical knowledge about how artificial intelligence impacts education, career paths, and daily tasks. Instructors emphasized the difference between using AI as a legitimate learning tool and relying on it as a shortcut for schoolwork.
Franca Armstrong, Executive Director of Apprenticeship Programs at Mohawk Valley Community College, led the four-hour sessions. The training covered how to identify AI-generated misinformation, such as deepfake videos and manipulated content. Participants also learned the importance of critical thinking when interacting with automated systems.
County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. noted the necessity of these skills in a modern economy. The program aims to ensure young people understand the limitations of AI while recognizing the opportunities it creates. David Mathis, director of the Office of Workforce Development, stated that using technology correctly is a critical skill for the emerging workforce.
This pilot initiative represents a broader effort to combine real-world job experience with emerging technology education. By teaching students how to ask the right questions and evaluate information effectively, local officials aim to prepare the next generation for the demands of the workforce. The success of this program suggests that similar technology-focused training could play a larger role in future employment initiatives within the county.