New DOL Framework Prepares Workers for Human-AI Collaboration

The Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework shifts away from a static, one-size-fits all approach to one that is flexible to match pace with future AI systems, Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO and president at AI for Education — a nonprofit focusing on AI literacy — told GovCIO Media & Research.

“It’s not just a static framework, it focuses on how do you actually build these skills and the importance of human-centered approaches and human skills,” said Bickerstaff. 

DOL released the framework on Feb. 13 to provide voluntary guidance to help organizations integrate AI learning into existing employee training programs and build a stronger talent pipeline.

“In most workplaces, indicating a need for ‘AI literacy’ is not enough on its own; employers and other stakeholders may need to define the specific AI skills and depth of knowledge, or levels of proficiency, appropriate for each role and context,” the strategy said. “DOL believes that starting with a clear foundation for understanding AI literacy in the context of the workforce and education systems is essential.” 

The framework builds on the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan and America’s Talent Strategy. It also defines AI literacy and offers ideas on how to promote overall digital literacy skills.

The five content areas identify the key concepts the workforce needs to be considered as AI literate. The department noted that while “literate” can have multiple meanings, AI literacy refers to the foundational skills and knowledge all workers and students need to use AI successfully.

“We lack enough people with the AI and data skills necessary to implement AI adoption, and the broad picture is we need AI literacy,” Labor Department Office of Apprenticeship Acting Administrator Megan Baird said at GovCIO Media & Research’s AI Summit. “Every single employee is going to need some form of AI literacy to upskill in their occupation for adoption to happen.”

The framework also includes seven delivery principles focused on embedding AI literacy across workforce and education systems.

Bickerstaff said the framework emphasizes how workers can partner with AI technologies to reduce administrative or repetitive tasks rather than replace human roles.

“Right now, there are these incredibly loud, noisy conversations about how AI is going to impact work. The fact that the Labor Department is coming out with almost a counter to that,” said Bickerstaff. “Humans will still be the valuable component, not the AI systems, and it’s more what they can do together.” 

The 2026 LinkedIn Skills on the Rise report found that employers are increasingly prioritizing both technical and soft skills over degrees during the hiring process. While the 2025 report identified AI literacy as the top skill, the 2026 report found employers are seeking more advanced skills related to the development, iteration and deployment of AI systems.

Bickerstaff said the report underscores the growing demand for skills beyond basic AI literacy. As organizations adopt the Labor Department’s framework, she said, it could help address the need for stronger AI capabilities. She added that many AI training programs currently focus on technical skills, such as building models, while the AI Literacy Framework aims to develop a broader talent pipeline with varying levels of AI expertise.

“Not everyone’s going to learn how to fine tune a model, but everyone can learn how to direct and use a chatbot or another generative AI tool,” said Bickerstaff. “That’s going to be the moment when we see that shift into that knowledge that that’s the most important thing for us going forward.”