TCS has launched its My First AI Job training programme with the University of Cincinnati and Salesforce. The scheme targets final-year students seeking entry-level roles in artificial intelligence.
The programme combines AI skills certification, paid work experience and a pathway to full-time jobs at TCS after graduation. Structured as a three-month course, it is designed to connect university study with labour market demand.
Students will develop technical, communication and employability skills through hands-on projects, mentoring, global certifications and interview practice. The roles targeted by the programme align with positions in TCS's hiring pipeline.
The collaboration also includes the joint development of a Salesforce certification curriculum. This will feature an industry-focused Salesforce course and a fall co-op placement that gives undergraduate students paid professional experience at TCS.
Workforce Focus
The announcement reflects a broader push by technology services groups and universities to close the gap between academic teaching and the practical skills employers want from new graduates. Artificial intelligence has become a particular focus as businesses seek staff who can work with AI tools and systems from the start of their careers.
For TCS, the initiative is part of a wider effort to build its US talent base and strengthen its position in the Salesforce market. The company has expanded its operations in Ohio and recently opened a Salesforce Centre of Excellence at its Global Delivery Centre in Milford, which it describes as its largest delivery centre in the United States.
TCS has also expanded in the Salesforce services market through acquisitions, recently buying the US consulting firms Coastal Cloud and ListEngage to extend its reach with North American customers.
Amit Bajaj, President North America, TCS, said, "In keeping with its aspiration of becoming the world's largest AI-led technology services company, TCS is committed to building a pipeline of AI jobs in the heartland of America by helping students graduate with industry-ready AI skills that are in high demand. Building on our longstanding partnerships with the University of Cincinnati and Salesforce, we are designing a blueprint for the AI jobs of the future that will make U.S. companies more innovative and competitive. We are proud to launch this in Cincinnati, home of our new North America Salesforce Centre of Excellence-where customer proximity meets scaled talent."
The University of Cincinnati said the programme was designed to meet employer expectations that graduates should be able to apply practical AI knowledge immediately in the workplace. The university is participating through its School of Information Technology.
Hazem Said, Professor & Director, School of Information Technology, University of Cincinnati, said, "Companies increasingly expect entry-level job seekers to hit the ground running with practical AI skills they can put to use on day one. It is exciting to be at the vanguard of collaborating with a technology industry pioneer to build pathways to success for tomorrow's AI leaders. I believe that we are creating a model that will help redefine the value of a university education."
Certification Path
The programme is built around alternating periods of academic study and paid workplace training. This approach allows students to gain experience before graduation while giving TCS more time to assess potential recruits through certification work and on-the-job performance.
The model mirrors co-operative education structures already used by some US universities, particularly in technical and professional courses. For employers, such arrangements can reduce the time needed to train new recruits once they move into full-time roles.
Salesforce is contributing to the curriculum and workforce development elements of the programme. Its involvement highlights the growing importance of platform-specific credentials in technology hiring, where employers increasingly look for candidates with recognised certifications alongside university qualifications.
Meredith Nabavi, Director, Workforce Development Partnerships, Salesforce, said, "The combination of TCS, the University of Cincinnati and Salesforce will create an industry-ready local workforce that will not only accelerate client outcomes, but help build the AI careers of recent university graduates."