Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, and its impact on the American workforce is only accelerating. The “Make America AI Ready” initiative is at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that American workers, business leaders, and ABC Carolinas members are equipped with the foundational AI skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This topic is especially relevant for business leaders and members of ABC Carolinas because AI literacy is now a critical factor in workforce competitiveness, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.
The America AI Ready initiative, launched by the federal government as a public-private partnership between the Department of Labor and education technology company Arist, is designed to ensure that every worker—regardless of background or technical experience—can access the skills needed to benefit from the AI economy. The program’s text message-based design makes it accessible to all Americans, including those without a laptop or with limited internet access, confirming that you are on the right page to learn about the Make America AI Ready initiative and foundational AI skills.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the nation’s broader workforce development strategy, aiming to keep America competitive in the global AI race. By focusing on understanding AI principles and responsible use of AI tools, the program empowers individuals to complement human expertise with artificial intelligence, opening doors to innovation and growth. Whether you’re in the office, on a jobsite, or managing a team, learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively is now essential for success. The America AI Ready initiative makes it possible for everyone to access AI skills and support, helping to make America a leader in the AI economy.
The federal government launched Make America AI Ready on March 24, 2026, signaling that AI skills are now a national workforce priority. American workers who understand AI tools gain advantages in productivity and new jobs, while late adopters risk falling behind in an AI-driven economy.
For construction firms in the Carolinas, this directly impacts estimating, project management, OSHA compliance tracking, and long-term workforce development in the skilled trades.
Next, let’s look at how the program works in practice.
The ‘Make America AI-Ready’ initiative is specifically designed to ensure every American worker has the chance to learn foundational skills to benefit from AI. Developed through a public-private partnership between the Department of Labor and education technology company Arist, the initiative provides a free, accessible AI literacy course that aligns with growing employer demand for AI skills and national workforce priorities. The course’s text message-based format removes barriers to participation, making it possible for all Americans—including those without a laptop or with limited internet access—to build the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven economy. By demystifying AI and providing practical, hands-on learning, the initiative supports both individual career growth and broader workforce development strategies, ensuring that American workers are prepared to share in the prosperity AI creates.
The course delivers bite-sized lessons via SMS over seven days—about 10 minutes daily. Workers can enroll by texting READY to 20202 from any phone, including basic flip phones, building AI skills that complement surging careers in the skilled trades.
The text message-based design removes barriers: no laptop, no app, and limited access to the internet doesn’t matter. This innovative approach ensures that every American, regardless of device or connectivity, can participate and benefit from foundational AI training.
Upon completion, participants receive resources for AI-related careers and deeper upskilling, which can include pathways into apprenticeship and craft education programs.
Now, let’s explore the core skills taught in the program.
The Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework defines five foundational skills every worker needs. The course content is based on these five pillars of AI literacy:
These skills complement human expertise rather than replace it.
With these pillars in mind, let’s see how ABC Carolinas members can put this knowledge into action.
This free artificial intelligence literacy course aligns directly with the Trump administration’s commitment to advancing AI education and workforce readiness, underscoring it as a political and administrative priority. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez DeRemer emphasized the need to ensure every worker can benefit from AI opportunities.
For member companies, practical steps include—especially those already engaged with ABC Carolinas’ construction excellence network:
The initiative supports the White House AI Action Plan and, together with ABC Carolinas’ leadership in building the future of construction, positions construction firms to succeed in the AI race.
Next, let’s discuss how to prepare for the future with AI literacy.
To succeed in the rapidly evolving world of work, developing AI literacy and foundational AI skills is no longer optional—it’s essential. The America AI Ready initiative offers a free artificial intelligence literacy course that can be completed in just one week, with daily lessons delivered straight to your phone via text message.
This innovative, text message-based design ensures that every American, regardless of internet access or device, can participate and build the skills needed for the AI-driven economy.
By engaging with the course, participants gain hands-on experience with various AI tools and learn how to apply them in practical, real-world scenarios, including concepts that increasingly appear at events like the ABC Carolinas Safety & Health Summit. The curriculum is built around the five pillars of AI literacy: understanding AI principles, exploring AI uses, directing AI effectively, evaluating AI outputs, and using AI responsibly, all of which align with the work of ABC Carolinas committees focused on safety and workforce development. These foundational skills empower workers to create clear prompts, produce effective outputs, and ensure accountability for AI-generated results.
With support from the Department of Labor and leadership from Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, this initiative is helping American workers prepare for new AI-related jobs and careers, complementing broader efforts to modernize registered apprenticeships in construction. By making AI education accessible to all, the America AI Ready initiative is equipping the workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the AI economy—no laptop, app, or high-speed internet required, much like ABC Carolinas membership equips firms with connections and resources to compete. This is a critical step in ensuring that every American has the opportunity to benefit from the future of artificial intelligence.
Let’s wrap up with answers to some common questions.
Any American can participate—office professionals, field workers, small business owners, or job seekers. No prior AI education required. ABC Carolinas members with questions about how this aligns with their operations can reach out via the chapter’s contact information.
No. AI literacy complements existing compliance training. AI tools can support safety efforts but cannot substitute mandated training or competent-person oversight, which should continue to be reinforced through dedicated construction health and safety events.
