Rep. Lanoue Testifies on Behalf of His Task Force to Examine AI in Labor Committee
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Lanoue Testified on Behalf of His Task Force to Examine AI Concept
- Stay Tuned for More Updates on This Bill
Tuesday I testified before the Labor Committee in support of HB 5497, which includes my bill proposal to form a task force to examine AI and how it will affect the trades programs. I am suggesting we establish a task force that will consist of our various certified trades professionals, CTECS administrators, engineers, software and hardware designers, and AI experts to examine what will be needed to integrate AI knowledge and training into various trades curriculums in our tech schools and programs in Connecticut. It is imperative that we find out what we don’t know, and ensure that our current and future tradesmen are certified and trained in the technologies needed to remain competitive into future.
The advent of artificial intelligence has brought a new age of technological advancement and rapidly changing industry. While much attention has focused on office-based jobs, it is crucial to understand how AI is affecting and transforming the trades. AI tools are already increasing efficiency in project planning and predictive maintenance and are changing the skills workers need to succeed.
Raised H.B. 5497 will establish a task force to study the effects of AI on the trades and provide key information to help ensure workers have the skills they need in an advancing technological landscape. This task force should review not only how AI is changing work on job sites and in facilities, but also how it should shape training and education pathways, including curriculum at our technical high schools and trade schools, as well as for those already in the workforce. Because AI is evolving at a rapid pace, this work is an attempt to hit a moving target.
Bringing together certified tradesmen from a range of trades with AI experts, engineers, and designers will help Connecticut thoughtfully harness this transformative technology to strengthen and support the trades industry.
I urged the committee to act swiftly to advance this bill so Connecticut can proactively prepare its trades workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
I want to thank Co-Chairs Kushner and Sanchez; Vice Chairs Cabrera and Wilson; Ranking Members Sampson and Weir; and the distinguished members of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, for their consideration.
I will update you on this bill in the coming days.
To view my full testimony, click below-