In an effort to encourage employers to train workers in artificial intelligence usage, the U.S. Department of Labor released its AI literacy framework Feb. 13, outlining content areas and delivery principles for both education sectors and industry trainers.
The framework is one way the DOL intends to support the White House’s AI Action Plan, according to a department release. That plan instructed the DOL to integrate AI training into federally supported skills initiatives, including workforce training and apprenticeships.
DOL’s guidance highlights five “content areas of AI literacy” that it considers foundational, including:
- Understanding AI principles, such as the technology’s capabilities and limitations
- Exploring AI uses, showing how AI can “complement human expertise”
- Directing AI effectively with clear prompts
- Evaluating AI outputs for accuracy
- Using AI responsibly, ensuring data security and accountability
The DOL’s effective “delivery principles” focus on experiential learning and building “human” skills alongside AI competencies such as judgment, creativity, communication and problem-solving — skills employers have said are key to workplace transformation, other reports have indicated.
A lack of proper training or guidance has remained one of the bigger sticking points for employers adopting AI technology. For example, while close to three-quarters of hiring managers surveyed by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll last year said their companies are using AI tools, more than half also said they don’t have the resources to train their workers on AI effectively.
“The Department of Labor is committed to making sure all American workers are able to share in the prosperity that AI will create for our economy,” Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement. “Our new AI Literacy Framework provides guidance that will help accelerate effective AI skill development across the country.”