National workforce competency initiative

(a) Establishment Using amounts available for such purpose from the Artificial Intelligence Horizon Fund, the Secretary of Labor shall establish a national workforce competency initiative to facilitate the development, dissemination, and adoption of voluntary, nationally recognized competency frameworks, model curricula, assessment tools, and industry-recognized credentials for high-demand occupations within job sectors impacted by technological change. (b) Convening In carrying out the initiative established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall convene sector-relevant representatives of— (1) labor organizations; (2) sponsors of an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).; (3) institutions of higher education, including community colleges; (4) State workforce agencies; (5) local boards, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102); (6) State Commissions on National and Community Service; (7) industry associations; (8) credentialing organizations; (9) workforce training providers; and (10) such other stakeholders as the Secretary determines appropriate. (c) Duties In carrying out the initiative established under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the sector stakeholders described in subsection (b), shall, relevant to such sector— (1) develop voluntary national competency frameworks for high-demand occupations; (2) develop or support common assessment tools; (3) facilitate development and recognition of industry-recognized credentials; (4) maintain a publicly accessible national repository of competency frameworks, curricula, assessments, credentials, and related workforce training resources; (5) promote interstate recognition and portability of industry-recognized credentials; (6) coordinate with Federal agencies, States, institutions of higher education, employers, labor organizations, and workforce development entities to promote adoption of competency frameworks and credentials; (7) periodically review and update competency frameworks to reflect technological change, including advances in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies; and (8) disseminate best practices and technical assistance to employers, educational institutions, workforce development boards, sponsors of an apprenticeship described in subsection (b)(3), and State workforce agencies. (d) Occupational licensing Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the superseding, altering, or modification of an occupational or professional license issued or recognized by a State or the Federal Government.