Labor Department launches AI apprenticeship portal

The Labor Department on Wednesday launched the AI in Registered Apprenticeship Innovation Portal, a web resource intended to help employers and workers integrate artificial intelligence skills into apprenticeship programs. The site went live during National Apprenticeship Week and is available on the department’s website.

The portal organizes materials into three areas: AI skills and literacy for Registered Apprenticeship programs, industry-specific AI skill-building, and guidance on adding AI competencies to new or existing apprenticeship models. The department said the resource includes training modules and tools for sectors such as education, finance, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

Employers can use the portal to join national apprenticeship programs, create new programs for AI-related roles, or revise existing programs to include AI competencies. The site is designed to support employer-led, on-the-job learning combined with related instruction and to link training to recognized credentials.

The portal builds on the Labor Department’s AI Literacy Framework released in February, which provided guidance for embedding AI skills into apprenticeship curricula. The department described the new site as a single access point that collects training resources, industry tools and flexible pathways for apprentices and sponsors.

Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said in a statement that the department is committed to ensuring ‘‘every American has the opportunity to thrive in our nation’s workforce, especially in a world that is rapidly being reshaped by artificial intelligence.’’ Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Henry Mack described the portal as providing employers the resources to develop ‘‘AI-ready Registered Apprenticeship programs’’ and workers the skills to ‘‘thrive in them.’’ The White House called the administration ‘‘committed to winning the AI race’’ in a March policy framework that outlined federal standards, infrastructure investments and a coordinated approach to workforce development, innovation and safety.

Federal officials cited concerns that AI could disrupt jobs as part of the rationale for expanding training options. Registered Apprenticeship combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction; the Labor Department has promoted apprenticeships as a pathway to skilled employment and a way for employers to develop a trained workforce.

The portal’s industry modules are described as adaptable so sponsors can match content to specific roles and local labor market needs. The department emphasized the resources aim to support practical, on-the-job learning tied to credentials rather than only classroom or academic coursework.