Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, told senators the AI Action Plan emphasizes workforce development through K–12 education, reskilling and apprenticeships and noted early steps such as the White House AI Education Task Force convened by the first lady.

Why it matters: Senators said AI adoption will create demand for new trades and STEM workers, and they urged investments in education and apprenticeship programs that can reach small businesses and local communities.

OSTP reported the second meeting of the AI Education Task Force and said the administration is focused on retraining and reskilling for trades needed to build AI infrastructure. Kratsios highlighted partnerships with Department of Labor and Department of Education programs and said programs like Manufacturing USA and NIMBLE should be leveraged to add AI skills and biosecurity training.

Several senators emphasized that workforce development requires sustained federal support for research and education. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said Delaware’s sandbox and other state efforts align with federal goals, and Sen. Michael Bennet and others pressed OSTP to ensure federal research programs and agencies are funded and staffed to support training and diplomatic engagement.

OSTP committed to work with Congress on apprenticeship pathways and to coordinate federal programs to provide training, while senators requested written materials on specific program proposals and funding needs.