Tulsa College Helps Workers Embrace AI Technology

New Skills Lab aims to upskill employees and prevent job displacement

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:19pm

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a robotic arm emerging from a grid of illuminated blue and magenta circuitry, conceptually representing the integration of human and artificial intelligence.A community college's innovative program aims to empower workers to embrace, not fear, the rise of AI and automation.Today in Tulsa

Tulsa Community College has launched a new Skills Lab program to help local workers gain the skills needed to thrive alongside emerging AI and automation technologies. The program is part of a broader effort to build a bridge between workers and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence that threaten to displace many jobs.

Why it matters

As AI and automation continue to transform the workforce, programs like Tulsa Community College's Skills Lab aim to empower workers to adapt to these changes rather than be replaced by them. By proactively upskilling employees, the college hopes to ensure the local workforce remains competitive and resilient in the face of technological disruption.

The details

The Skills Lab program offers hands-on training in areas like data analysis, machine learning, and robotic process automation. The goal is to equip workers with the technical skills needed to complement AI systems rather than be made redundant by them. The college is partnering with local employers to identify the specific skills in demand and tailor the curriculum accordingly.

  • Tulsa Community College launched the Skills Lab program in January 2026.
  • The program is part of the college's ongoing efforts to prepare the local workforce for the impact of AI and automation.

The players

Tulsa Community College

A public two-year college serving the Tulsa, Oklahoma metropolitan area, known for its innovative workforce development programs.

Jeremy J. Wade

A professor of computer science at Tulsa Community College and a leading expert on the intersection of AI, automation, and the future of work.

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What they’re saying

“Workers who engage with AI early on won't be replaced by it. Our goal is to empower people with the skills to work alongside these technologies, not be displaced by them.”

— Jeremy J. Wade, Professor of Computer Science

What’s next

Tulsa Community College plans to expand the Skills Lab program to additional campuses and continue partnering with local employers to ensure the curriculum stays aligned with evolving workforce needs.

The takeaway

By proactively investing in upskilling programs, Tulsa is taking a proactive approach to preparing its workforce for the transformative impact of AI and automation. This model could serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to future-proof their local economies.