Digital Skilling

The Skilling Challenge

The Need for Expanded Access to Tech and AI Learning

On several fronts, our nation faces a technology skills gap. This gap impairs business and government—and it undermines millions of Americans’ ability to succeed in increasingly digital workplaces.

There are several different types of skills gaps—and each needs to be addressed in different ways for the long term:

  • Growing Need for AI Skills—While AI adoption and investment is growing rapidly, a November 2024 global IDC survey found that a lack of skilled workers is the biggest challenge for enterprises implementing AI technology within their organizations. While most workers have some digital skills, many will need to add AI skills to advance their careers or pivot into new career paths.
  • Shortage of Skilled Tech Workers—The tech industry and tech departments across sectors face ongoing shortages of personnel with needed skills and education. Notably, our nation faces a cybersecurity skills gap. As of 2024, a shortage of cybersecurity personnel left 225,000 U.S. jobs unfilled.
  • Increasing Demand for AI Infrastructure Workers—Microsoft estimates that our nation will need to train 500,000 electricians over the next decade to expand and upgrade our nation’s electricity infrastructure for growing electrification and the energy needs of our AI economy. More skilled employees in other trades, such as HVAC, will also be needed for infrastructure development.

Administration Support for Workforce AI Readiness

The Trump Administration has voiced support for AI education and skilling initiatives and the need to invest in the American workforce. America’s AI Action Plan calls for developing modern skills frameworks, industry-led training, and an expanded talent pipeline through apprenticeships, career and technical education (CTE), and general education. President Trump also signed an executive order, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,” and created the White House Task Force on AI Education.

In August 2025, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education released a joint report outlining the administration’s approach to workforce development. “America’s Talent Strategy: Equipping American Workers for the Golden Age” emphasizes several key factors in strengthening America’s workforce, including improving AI readiness. The report notes that, “AI represents a new frontier for workers,” and that the federal government will support regional AI learning networks. Community College Daily summarizes the report at this link.

Voices for Innovation supports public policies and private-sector programs, such as Microsoft Elevate, to help address the tech skills gap. We’ve championed increased access to and funding for computer science education in K-12 schools. We’ve supported legislation to strengthen apprenticeship programs. We’ve worked to close the broadband divide to improve access to online tech learning. We’re also helping to connect organizations with tech skilling opportunities.

VFI also encourages our members to engage on this issue—by advocating with policymakers, bringing visibility to the issue, and promoting tech skilling opportunities with their networks and in their communities.

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