DOL Urges States to Use WIOA Funds for AI Workforce Training Under White House Action Plan

DOL Launches AI Workforce Development Program Aligned with White House AI Action Plan

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued new guidance encouraging state and local governments to allocate Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds toward building AI-related workforce skills. This initiative is part of the broader White House AI Action Plan, which sets priorities for federal AI policies and infrastructure.

What the Announcement Means for IT and Development Professionals

On August 26, the DOL released a training and employment guidance letter urging the use of WIOA funding to support AI skill development for youth and adults. The goal is to integrate AI literacy and training into existing workforce programs and create targeted AI skills initiatives.

WIOA is the largest federal funding stream dedicated to workforce development. Its flexibility allows counties and local agencies to tailor programs that address the evolving demands of employers and the job market—especially in emerging fields like AI.

How Counties Can Act on This Guidance

• Use WIOA Title 1 programs (Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker) to incorporate AI literacy and training modules.
• Integrate AI skill-building into current workforce development efforts to prepare participants for AI-driven roles.
• Create specialized AI skills development programs to meet local labor market needs.

For IT professionals involved in workforce training or program development, this opens up opportunities to shape curricula that reflect AI’s growing impact across industries.

Next Steps and Support

The National Association of Counties (NACo) supports fully funding the public workforce system, including digital literacy initiatives that boost workforce readiness and technological confidence. They will continue to monitor and share updates related to the White House AI Action Plan.

For those looking to expand their AI skills or develop training programs, resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical and up-to-date learning paths tailored for various skill levels and job roles.

Implementing AI workforce development programs now can position local governments and workforce agencies to meet the demand for AI competencies, ensuring job seekers and employers are prepared for the changing technology landscape.