05-06-2026
Employer Insight: The Department of Labor has rolled out an “Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework.” This voluntary framework guides workforce boards, states, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and employers on creating AI literacy programs.
It begins with a working definition of AI literacy. The DOL defines AI literacy as a “foundational set of competencies that enable individuals to use and evaluate AI technologies responsibly, with a primary focus on generative AI.” Generative AI is defined as AI that creates new content, including text, images, or programming code.
Next, the framework sets five foundational content areas for AI literacy programs. The content should instruct learners in AI principles, explore AI applications, guide effective AI use, explain how to evaluate AI output, and teach responsible AI use.
The government recommends seven elements for literacy training efforts.
- Enable experiential learning—hands-on learning is the most effective way for people to learn.
- Embed learning in context—training should align with a specific job, industry, or existing training program.
- Build complementary human skills—workers and students should see how AI augments their skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and domain expertise.
- Address prerequisites to AI literacy—users need basic digital literacy skills, device access, and broadband connectivity.
- Create pathways for continued learning—literacy programs are just a starting point, and learners will need paths to continue developing expertise.
- Prepare supporting roles—managers, trainers, mentors, and career counselors must understand AI and its uses.
- Design programs for agility—AI is evolving quickly, and training programs must be adaptable and ready to update.
The DOL positioned its framework as a working document that will evolve over time. The agency welcomes feedback from employers and other stakeholders to improve AI literacy efforts, identify barriers to success, and ways to improve future guidance.