Expanding Employment Opportunity
CWI Labs is a catalyst for change. We partner with employers, policymakers, and the public to drive innovation in workforce training and placement, expand employment opportunity, and bring discouraged workers into the labor force so every American can achieve economic opportunity & security through work.
We are continually working on new projects and developing new initiatives. Below are a few examples of our work.
AI Literacy
AI is reshaping the workplace at unprecedented speed. AI fluency is now the fastest-growing skill requirement in U.S. job postings, and workers with AI skills command a 56% wage premium. Yet mid- and late-career workers risk being locked out. Their ability to learn new technical skills is questioned and training opportunities pass them by.
CWI Labs believes accessible AI education isn’t just important; it’s urgent. When mid- and late-career professionals gain AI literacy, they amplify decades of expertise and bring a competitive advantage to employers in workplaces where humans, agents, and robots must collaborate.
Apprenticeships for All Ages
America faces a labor force paradox: by late 2025, unemployment climbed to 4.6%, yet 74% of employers still report significant labor shortages. The culprit is a structural mismatch: 32.7% of job openings, particularly middle-skill roles, cannot be filled by unemployed workers with the right qualifications. Apprenticeships offer a proven solution, delivering $1.44 in benefits for every dollar invested while building the skilled workforce employers desperately need. With fewer than one in five apprentices over age 35, expanding these earn-and-learn programs across all age groups represents America’s greatest untapped opportunity to solve the skills gap.
Explore the resources below to see how you can tap into this powerful workforce strategy.
Digital Skills Attainment
A recent study by the National Skills Coalition shows that across all industries 92% of jobs now require digital skills. Workers that qualify for jobs that require even one digital skill can earn an average of 23% more than in a job requiring no digital skills. Moving from a job requiring no digital skills to one requiring at least three can increase pay by an average of 45%.
CWI Labs partners with organizations to develop intentional strategies and investments so older workers can gain the digital skills they need to compete in today’s job market, including the CWI Labs Digital Certification Program (DCP)
Tailored to meet the specific needs of older American workers, the DCP program goes beyond traditional offerings. Participants not only gain access to cutting-edge training but are also provided with essential equipment and internet access. The program’s efficacy has been validated through successful piloting with individuals having minimal to no prior digital skills experience. What sets us apart is our team of specially trained Digital Navigators, who offer personalized one-on-one coaching, support, and encouragement throughout the program, ensuring each participant’s journey is both enriching and rewarding.
Formerly Incarcerated Job Seekers
Stable employment is one of the biggest factors in reducing recidivism. But formerly incarcerated job seekers are often hindered by stigma, unstable housing, unreliable transportation, and the requirements of probation, parole, or treatment.
CWI Labs began piloting a new approach to job training and placement for formerly incarcerated job seekers in 2018. Our program addresses the unique needs of these workers to support a successful, lasting re-entry into the American labor force. We combine data science, in-demand skill development, and best practices to address each stage of career training from job preparation to placement to post-placement support.
Partner with Us
CWI Labs partners with like-minded organizations to innovate new approaches, promote best practices, and tell the story of the American worker. We are building a national coalition of technology experts, workforce experts, and workforce development partners to expand employment opportunity and bring discouraged workers back to the labor force.
Contact us to:
- Showcase your organization’s commitment to employment opportunities for American workers.
- Develop solutions that drive innovation and change.
- Provide policymakers with data-informed analyses.
- Engage with our experts for events, interviews, and content submissions.
