Can I connect apple pencil gen 1 to my iPad Air 2?

No. Your iPad Air2 does not support Apple Pencil.

Here is the definitive compatibility list for Apple Pencil and iPad:

Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: 

• iPad Air (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models:

• iPad (8th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

No.

No Apple Pencils are compatible with a 2014 iPad Air 2.

No iPad made before late 2015 can ever use any version of the Apple Pencil

Your iPad is too old and has missing screen layer hardware needed for an Apple Pencil to be recognised and function.

Return that Pencil and get your money back!

Sorry & Good Luck to You!

Are you a different Poster from the original who posting this question?

Whoever told you this info was grossly mistaken, unless, you told this individual you had an iPad Air and did not specify iPad Air 1,,2, 3 or 4 version.

The later 2018 iPad Air 3 and the newest 2020 iPad Air 4 are the ONLY iPad Air models capable of using each version of the Apple Pencil.

Sorry.

What worker? If you bought it from Apple within the last 14 days you can return it for a full refund.

I am literally crying. The worker said the Apple Pencil would work and we bought it. And i spent so long trying to make it connect.