US Department of Labor opens AI apprenticeship portal with industry-specific training modules

AIApprenticeships

5 May

Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the new resource alongside a text-message-based AI literacy course and a federal framework designed to embed artificial intelligence skills across registered apprenticeship programs nationwide.

Worker using laptop and smartphone with AI technology overlay representing workforce AI skills training — ***The U.S. Department of Labor has opened a new portal to help organizations integrate AI training into registered apprenticeship programs***

The U.S. Department of Labor has opened the AI in Registered Apprenticeship Innovation Portal, a centralized online resource for organizations looking to integrate artificial intelligence training into federally recognized apprenticeship programs. Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling announced the portal on LinkedIn, describing it as "a one-stop resource for organizations looking to build artificial intelligence literacy and develop AI-focused Registered Apprenticeship programs."

The portal is organized around three areas: AI skills and literacy in registered apprenticeships, AI skill building by industry, and three pathways for integrating AI into existing or new apprenticeship programs. Industry-specific training modules cover education, finance, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, and technology.

Federal framework sets the baseline

Alongside the portal, the Department has issued an AI Literacy Framework intended to guide employers, training providers, educators, state and local agencies, and other workforce stakeholders. The framework identifies foundational content areas and delivery principles while allowing flexibility across industries, roles, and contexts.

The Department defines AI literacy as a set of skills that enables workers to understand what AI tools can and cannot do, use them for everyday tasks, provide clear instructions and context, review outputs for accuracy, and apply workplace rules for appropriate use.

The portal aligns with the Executive Order on Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth and the broader federal AI Action Plan.

Text message course targets workers without internet access

The Department has also rolled out the Make America AI-Ready Initiative, a free, one-week AI literacy course delivered entirely by text message. Workers can enroll by texting "Ready" to 20202, with no laptop or internet connection required. The program is designed to reach workers who may not have access to traditional online learning platforms.

Three paths to integrate AI into apprenticeship

Organizations can choose from three routes to bring AI into their apprenticeship programs: joining an existing national registered apprenticeship program, creating a new program for AI-focused roles, or updating an existing program to include AI skills. For existing programs, the Department's Office of Apprenticeship staff and AI liaisons can help sponsors add AI-enabled tasks to on-the-job learning outlines and incorporate AI training into related technical instruction.

The portal lists more than a dozen national program sponsors for AI-centric occupations, including Apprenti, CareerWise, Franklin Skills, and OpenClassrooms. Free general AI training resources from Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are also referenced, though the Department notes that inclusion does not constitute an official endorsement.

The portal goes live as the federal government positions registered apprenticeships as a primary vehicle for workforce AI readiness across sectors.