ITI Unveils Strategic Policy Framework for Building an AI-Ready Workforce
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI released a framework for how Congress, the Trump Administration, and other key stakeholders can build and maintain the AI-ready workforce that is crucial to America’s success.
The technology industry is already leading the way and taking direct action to support a responsible AI transition by making significant investments in the U.S. workforce and education talent pipeline, scaling reskilling and upskilling programs, and partnering with government and academia.
To ensure Americans can realize AI’s diverse economic benefits, ITI calls on U.S. policymakers to take urgent action and invest in AI education and training programs, support millions of American workers through reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and leverage public-private partnerships that prepares both current students and existing workers for the jobs of tomorrow in its new Principles for a Responsible Workforce Transition in an AI Era.
“AI is the most significant driver of economic growth in a generation, and the tech industry is dedicated to helping that growth reach all parts of the economy. Ensuring the United States has an AI-ready workforce equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed is a national imperative,” said ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman. “In this new framework, ITI outlines policy objectives that will support students and workers at every stage in the talent pipeline, fuel innovation and technology adoption, and secure America’s role as the global leader in AI.”
Key recommendations from ITI include:
- Supporting Students and Early Talent
- Support accessible AI education at all levels;
- Modernize programs like Career Technical Education (CTE) to better serve the needs of AI infrastructure jobs;
- Advance AI curriculum development for K-12 education;
- Collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate research and talent development; and
- Establishing research centers on emerging AI technologies and talent development.
- Supporting the Current Workforce
- Support and update workforce training programs such as the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA);
- Develop national and state-level blueprints for AI skilling;
- Conduct regular assessments to identify current and emerging AI skills; and
- Tailor AI skilling initiatives to meet the needs of distinct workforce segments.