U.S. Launches National AI Literacy Framework
Washington D.C. – – The U.S. Department of Labor unveiled a national artificial intelligence literacy framework today, aiming to equip the entire American workforce and student population with foundational AI skills. The initiative seeks to ensure no sector is left behind as the economy and employment landscape rapidly evolve.
According to a statement released by the Department of Labor, the framework is the first of its kind on a national scale and calls for coordinated action between the education system, employers, and state agencies. The move advances the Trump Administration’s commitment to prioritize AI literacy and skill development, supporting the department’s role in implementing the AI Action Plan and America’s Talent Strategy.
The Department of Labor asserts that artificial intelligence is transforming employment at an unprecedented rate. The new national framework responds to the urgent need to provide workers and students with fundamental competencies to thrive in a deeply digitized economy.
The framework outlines voluntary guidelines intended to inform both educational and workforce programs, with the intention of extending its reach across all states and productive sectors. AI literacy, as defined by the framework, consists of a basic set of competencies enabling individuals to responsibly use and evaluate AI technologies.
While acknowledging the growing importance of generative AI tools, the document recognizes that proficiency levels will vary depending on role and specific job demands. It proposes pathways for achieving greater AI expertise for those seeking advanced roles, but emphasizes that a common base should focus on the ethical and safe understanding and use of the technology.
The framework identifies five priority content areas. First, understanding the principles of AI involves knowing what it is, how it functions, its limitations, and the role of human oversight. Second, it recommends exploring the uses of AI in concrete situations, such as tools for productivity, creativity, or decision support. Effectively directing AI – formulating clear instructions and refining results based on interaction with the tool – is also highlighted.
Critically evaluating the results generated by AI is another key dimension, allowing for verification of accuracy, relevance, and contextual appropriateness. Finally, responsible use of AI is established as a central principle, with particular attention to data protection, ethics, and accountability in utilizing these tools.
To facilitate implementation, the Department of Labor details seven methodological principles. Learning should be experiential, promoting direct use of AI in real-world tasks. Training should be delivered in relevant contexts, linked to the participants’ productive or academic environment.
The framework also recommends fostering the development of complementary human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and communication. It considers foundational digital literacy and access to connectivity as essential prerequisites, and proposes continuous learning pathways to advance toward more specialized competencies.
Preparing facilitators – providing tools for those guiding the incorporation of AI into work teams – is also prioritized. Finally, the framework stresses the need for flexible and adaptable programs to respond to the rapid advancement of technology.
The plan is directed toward a broad audience: active workers, students, employers, training providers, and state and local educational authorities. While the framework is common and voluntary, the Department of Labor states that its implementation should be adapted to the realities of each sector, and industry.
This is to be achieved through coordination with state agencies and industry partners, as well as integration of the content into formal labor training schemes and educational systems from secondary school through university.
The national AI literacy framework was developed following consultations with employers, local entities, training centers, and representatives from the education system. The Department of Labor emphasizes that the tool will be evolutionary and regularly updated to incorporate suggestions and needs identified in various sectors and regions.
The Department of Labor anticipates continued cooperation between the public and private sectors to expand best practices and respond agilely to changes in the labor market. In the coming months, the institution will continue to receive input from employers, trainers, and state agencies to refine the framework’s scope and ensure that AI literacy reaches all sectors and production levels of the country.
