State and Federal Leaders Explore AI, Data Sharing, and Workforce Technology Modernization

November 03, 2026

How can states use artificial intelligence to improve services without losing human connection? What will it take to connect workforce, education, and human services data? And how can agencies modernize technology while managing limited resources?

These questions were central to the October 2026 meeting of the Workforce Information Technology Support Center (Workforce ITSC) Steering Committee, co-chaired by Anna Hui (MO) and Tiffany Smith (USDOL).

Workforce ITSC Priorities & Resources

State and federal leaders shared experiences, explored emerging initiatives, and identified priorities to help guide Workforce ITSC's workplan and future activities.

Workforce ITSC's FY27 Priorities and Opportunities for State Collaboration

Workforce ITSC previewed plans for an Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) Community of Practice pilot, virtual peer roundtables, expanded state outreach, and continued development of online tools.

These activities will focus on connecting government partners with practical resources, peer experiences, and opportunities to address shared workforce technology challenges.

No-Cost Learning Opportunities for Government Staff

Workforce ITSC offers three self-paced eLearning courses to help government staff build skills for workforce technology projects:

Business Analysis for Workforce System Professionals: Learn to identify business needs, document requirements, and support technology projects.
Urgency of Workforce System Digital Transformation: Understand the importance and challenges of modernization.
Mastering Digital Transformation for Workforce Leaders: Explore strategies for leading organizational and technology change.

Available Resources for Modernization Projects

Workforce ITSC provides online tools to help agencies research technology, prepare procurements, and explore potential solutions:

State Technology Profiles: Information on technology systems across 51 states and territories supporting WIOA partner programs.
Procurement Portal: A searchable collection of over 940 workforce technology procurement documents to source language and insights.
Solutions Marketplace: More than 100 profiles of vendors, consultants, and nonprofit organizations offering workforce technology solutions.
Workforce Technology Collection: More than 1,700 resources covering modernization, data sharing, technology planning, and related topics.
Advisory Project Support: Workforce ITSC also offers fee-for-service advisory services tailored to agency needs, including business analysis, procurement support, data and reporting analysis, and modernization planning.

State Initiatives & Partner Projects

The committee also heard presentations on initiatives underway across states and NASWA, including emerging approaches and opportunities for collaboration.

Utah's AI Literacy Training for Workforce Staff and Job Seekers

Utah shared its development of AI-literacy workshops designed for workforce staff and job seekers. The workshops focus on practical applications, including career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and identifying transferable skills. Participants also learn to recognize inaccurate AI-generated information, protect their privacy, and retain their authentic voice. Utah’s approach emphasizes that AI should complement human judgment rather than replace it. Staff training has already taken place, with job seeker workshops planned for fall 2026.

NASWA & New York's AI-Powered Apprenticeship Discovery Initiative

NASWA highlighted its partnership with the New York State Department of Labor on the AI for Modernized Apprenticeship Pathways (AIMAP) project, which uses conversational AI to help individuals explore registered apprenticeship opportunities.

Rather than requiring individuals to know specific occupation titles, Talk with Tyler helps them identify potential career pathways based on their interests, experiences, and transferable skills. The project focuses particularly on helping young people discover apprenticeship opportunities they may not have previously considered. The average age of a registered apprentice in the US is 28. This suggests that for a lot of people, they may spend nearly a decade after high school before finding one of these earn while you learn opportunities.

Supported by a $250,000 catalyst grant through the GitLab Foundation's AI for Economic Opportunity initiative, Talk with Tyler uses an open-source approach that could allow other states to adapt the technology. Additional states have already expressed interest in the project. The project offers an example of how states can explore AI applications for career navigation while sharing approaches that may be adaptable across workforce systems. Try the tool out yourself.

The Multi-State Data Collaborative and Cross-Agency Data Sharing

NASWA's Multi-State Data Collaborative (MSDC) presented its work to help states overcome barriers to data sharing and better use administrative data to inform policy and improve programs. The discussion highlighted state-led research, cross-agency partnerships, and opportunities to connect workforce, education, and human services data. Committee members explored how Workforce ITSC and MSDC could collaborate on practical interoperability challenges, including inconsistent data definitions, governance requirements, and disconnected systems. A key takeaway was the importance of building on existing state infrastructure and identifying manageable use cases that can support broader data-sharing efforts.

Continue the Conversation with Workforce ITSC

State workforce, education, vocational rehabilitation, and human services staff interested in learning more about these initiatives, connecting with other states, or exploring Workforce ITSC resources can

If you are a vendor, consultant, or nonprofit wanting to highlight products & services, check out the Solutions Marketplace.

Workforce ITSC is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.