WIA EVP & COO Tim House Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Employer-Led AI Workforce Training

WIA EVP & COO Tim House delivers an opening statement to the House Education and Workforce’s Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development at a hearing entitled “Building an AI Ready America: Strengthening Employer Lead Training.”

The message was clear: AI workforce training must be employer‑led. Competency‑based Registered Apprenticeships deliver real skills, faster pathways to good jobs, and a workforce that can keep pace with rapid technological change.

Through programs like TIRAP (Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program), WIA is already training the people who build and maintain the infrastructure powering AI. As the only DOL‑recognized Industry Intermediary for telecommunications, WIA is leading the way on scalable, employer‑driven workforce solutions.

Overview

“Despite the real progress our industry has made, current efforts alone will not meet the demand that is coming,” said House during his opening statement. “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization is a genuine opportunity to change that. By preserving state flexibility, explicitly supporting Registered Apprenticeships and employer-led training, and encouraging the sector partnership model that has already proven its effectiveness, this Congress can deliver the policy foundation our workforce needs.”

“If there is one takeaway from my participation today, it is the value of Industry Intermediaries for workforce development initiatives,” continued House. “Registered Apprenticeships, coordinated with employers, target the skills needed for high-demand fields like broadband and AI. These programs grow the talent pool, equip participants with practical skills, and support long-term careers. By blending classroom learning and on-the-job training, participants advance by demonstrating competency. WIA enthusiastically supports the President’s Executive Order to prepare Americans for high-paying skilled trades and the goal of enrolling one million new registered apprentices.”

“In addition to ongoing maintenance and network improvements, we are implementing BEAD – Congress’s $42 billion broadband investment to close the digital divide,” House concluded. “This work coincides with the rise of AI, which depends on widespread connectivity. All these factors signal a sharp and sustained increase in demand for skilled telecommunications professionals.”

 Read the full opening statement

Read Tim’s full written testimony

Watch the full hearing

Watch

WIA EVP & COO Tim House responds to questions from Chairman Walberg on how employer-led training programs supports skills first training:

WIA EVP & COO Tim House speaks to the success of WIA’s Employer-Led Registered Apprenticeship Program:

WIA EVP & COO Tim House responds to questions on streamlining federal programs to support workforce development:

WIA EVP & COO Tim House responds to questions on how to ensure workforce development programs keep up with the pace of technology changes: