Upskilling Playbook: AI, Skill Development, and the Workforce

Talent and workforce leaders must actively counteract three major risks – (1) automation outpacing foresight, (2) lagging capability systems, and (3) strategy being dictated by technology – by advocating for internal mobility and upskilling to close projected talent shortfalls. Ultimately, they must view AI adoption as a development opportunity to redefine how capability is built, focusing on outcomes and consciously reinvesting capacity freed by automation to ensure growth and resilience for both the business and its people.

This Aspen Institute playbook explores emerging skills in the AI-driven labor market and offers strategies for workforce upskilling. TANF programs can leverage these approaches to align training with in-demand occupations and prepare participants for sustainable career pathways.