New Executive Order Focused on Building AI Talent Pipeline

Following actions taken earlier this year to lift Biden-era regulations on AI and invest in private sector development of a joint venture to build AI data centers, the Trump administration has turned its focus to AI education to prepare young people for an AI-powered workforce.

The executive order discusses the need for an AI-skilled workforce and seeks to build AI literacy by establishing a cross-agency White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education. The task force is charged with creating public-private partnerships to develop K-12 AI education resources and to fund teacher training.

The Department of Labor role: DOL is tasked with engaging employers to develop   Registered Apprenticeships in AI-related occupations, encouraging WIOA grantees and States to use funding to develop AI skills and support work-based learning, and develop AI skills courses and certifications. 

Why it matters: Employers are an important constituency to help identify workforce needs related to AI. The EO may help focus educational, apprenticeship, and certification efforts, consistent with evolving technology, to develop AI skills in the emerging workforce.