US Department of Labor Releases Comprehensive AI Literacy Framework to Guide National Workforce Development
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has officially released a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Framework designed to standardize and enhance AI skills training across the American workforce and education systems. Published on February 13, 2026, the framework offers voluntary guidance to employers, educators, and workforce development boards, aiming to equip workers with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The initiative is part of a broader administration strategy to prioritize AI literacy, aligning with the previously released “AI Action Plan” and “America’s Talent Strategy.” The framework serves as a resource for program design, establishing a shared vocabulary and structure for training providers without imposing new regulations or compliance mandates.
Foundational Content Areas
At the core of the new guidance are five “Foundational Content Areas” identified by the Department of Labor as essential for AI competency. These areas are designed to be adaptable across various industries and roles:
1. Understand AI Principles: Workers should grasp core AI concepts, capabilities, and limitations to build a mental model for effective use.
2. Explore AI Uses: The framework encourages exploring specific AI tools and use cases to understand how the technology can complement human expertise.
3. Direct AI Effectively: This area focuses on interaction, specifically how to provide context and create clear prompts to generate useful outputs.
4. Evaluate AI Outputs: A critical skill highlighted is the ability to assess AI-generated results for accuracy, relevance, and bias, and to iterate on those outputs.
5. Use AI Responsibly: The guidelines emphasize ethical and secure usage, protecting critical information, and maintaining accountability for outcomes.
Principles for Effective Delivery
To ensure these skills are taught effectively, the Department of Labor outlined seven “Delivery Principles” for training providers. These principles emphasize that AI literacy is best acquired through “Experiential Learning,” where participants practice with real-world tools, and by “Embedding Learning in Context,” ensuring training is relevant to a learner’s specific industry.
The framework also stresses the importance of “Building Complementary Human Skills,” such as judgment and creativity, which remain distinct from AI capabilities. Other delivery principles include addressing prerequisites like digital literacy, creating pathways for continued learning, preparing “enabling roles” such as managers and counselors to support learners, and “Designing for Agility” to allow training programs to update rapidly as technology evolves.
Administrative and Economic Context
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer stated that the department is committed to ensuring all American workers can “share in the prosperity” that AI is expected to create. The release follows recent guidance encouraging state and local agencies to utilize Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to support AI skill development.
The framework was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, training providers, and state agencies. It is intended to evolve continuously based on feedback and advancements in AI technology. By providing this structure, the Department of Labor aims to reduce fragmentation in workforce training and ensure the U.S. labor market remains competitive in the global economy.
* dol.gov
* onthelaborfront.com
* bloomberglaw.com
* substack.com
* vitallaw.com
* dol.gov
