Integrating A.I. Into Youth Apprenticeships: Lessons from Cummins

With manufacturers nationwide facing growing skills gaps, many organizations are turning to apprenticeships to build a sustainable workforce. At Cummins Turbochargers Ladson, SC facility, this approach has gone a step further: blending traditional apprenticeship structures with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (A.I.) to better meet the needs of both learners and instructors. 

During SME FUSION, Daniel Theriault, Training & Development Specialist at Cummins, shared how his team is redesigning youth apprenticeship pathways—particularly in high-demand areas like mechatronics—by leveraging A.I. to drive flexibility, inclusion, and instructional efficiency. 

Bridging the Gap Between School and Industry 

Cummins-Charleston identified three challenges that will sound familiar to many learning and development professionals: 

• Difficulty finding skilled technical talent 
• Outdated or misaligned apprenticeship frameworks 
• Low career awareness in the local school system 

To address these, the team built a structured program in collaboration with Cooper River Center for Advanced Studies (CRCAS) and Trident Technical College, updating its youth apprenticeship model to reflect current manufacturing requirements. By adding mechatronics alongside industrial mechanics, they broadened the scope of opportunities while aligning with real operational needs. 

Three Use Cases for A.I. in Apprenticeship Training 

Rather than layering on new technology for its own sake, Cummins developed a clear framework for how A.I. could solve practical training challenges. Their implementation focused on three specific use cases: 

1. Accelerating Instructional Content Development

   Instructors now use tools like Microsoft Copilot to generate technical assessments, troubleshooting checklists, and visual flowcharts based on OEM manuals and internal procedures. This drastically reduces development time and allows trainers to focus on coaching and feedback rather than documentation. 

2. Enabling Just-in-Time Learning

   On the floor, apprentices can access microlearning support through AI-powered prompts. Whether it’s understanding how to configure sensors or troubleshooting automation issues, learners can request help in the moment—without interrupting supervisors or delaying production. 

3. Improving Access Through Language Support

   For non-native English speakers, real-time translation has made training materials more accessible. Visual object recognition and conversational language support tools allow new hires to understand instructions better, boosting retention and reducing early attrition. 

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs with Tooling U-SME and A.I. 

Theriault noted that one of the most effective combinations has been pairing Tooling U-SME’s online classes with A.I. tools to reinforce and personalize instruction. “Tooling U-SME classes have been invaluable. I can assign content and use A.I. for translation for training,” he shared. 

This flexibility is especially useful for learners who benefit from additional frameworks. For example, A.I. in the future can be used to break down tasks into smaller, sequential steps for individuals who process information differently. In this case, A.I. can act as a “body double,” to break down tasks into manageable steps and create timed check-ins. 

These approaches improve knowledge transfer and create a more inclusive learning environment that can adapt to different needs. 

Practical Outcomes and Implications for L&D Leaders 

By combining early engagement with scalable technology and real-time support, Cummins is building a workforce development strategy that addresses today's realities while preparing for tomorrow’s needs. Their approach shows that: 

• A.I. can reduce time-to-competency without reducing training quality 
• Personalized support doesn’t have to be high-cost or resource-intensive 
• Structured partnerships with local schools, colleges, and workforce development solution providers can create a sustainable pipeline of learners 

This empowers trainers, supports learners, and makes training more agile and responsive in real operational environments. 

For organizations looking to modernize their training programs or pilot youth apprenticeship strategies, the Cummins model offers a clear roadmap for integrating technology to support instruction. 

For more details on this topic, check out the presentation recap from SME FUSION 2025.