OpenAI unveiled plans to launch an AI-powered jobs platform in mid-2026, designed to connect employers with candidates skilled in artificial intelligence, alongside a certification program to train workers in AI fluency. Announced by Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, during a White House task force meeting on AI and education hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, these initiatives aim to address the growing demand for AI expertise while mitigating job market disruptions. OpenAI’s goal is to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, partnering with major organizations like Walmart, John Deere, Boston Consulting Group, and Indeed to ensure relevance and impact.
The OpenAI Jobs Platform will go beyond traditional job boards, using AI to match candidates with businesses and government agencies based on verified AI skills. It includes a dedicated track for small businesses and local governments, fostering inclusive access to AI talent. Unlike LinkedIn, which OpenAI’s backer Microsoft owns, this platform emphasizes AI-specific competencies, potentially positioning OpenAI as a direct competitor in professional networking. The certification program, an extension of the free OpenAI Academy launched in 2024, offers training from basic AI usage to advanced skills like prompt engineering. Candidates can prepare using ChatGPT’s Study Mode, and companies can integrate certifications into their learning programs. Walmart will provide free training to its 1.6 million U.S. employees, who already use AI for scheduling and inventory management.
The announcement aligns with the White House’s push for AI literacy, with OpenAI committing to support broader economic opportunities. Simo acknowledged AI’s disruptive potential, noting it could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs by 2030, as per Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei. However, she emphasized that AI will also create new roles, with studies from Lightcast showing AI-skilled workers earn higher salaries. X posts reflect enthusiasm, with users like @fidjissimo praising the initiative’s potential to empower workers, though some express skepticism about accessibility and certification costs for non-partnered organizations.
OpenAI’s move comes amid challenges, including a lawsuit over ChatGPT’s safety and accusations of talent poaching by Meta. By focusing on upskilling and job matching, OpenAI aims to shape the AI-driven economy, but questions remain about the platform’s scalability and global reach. As the company strengthens ties with Washington, including a $200 million Department of Defense contract, these initiatives signal a strategic expansion beyond ChatGPT, aiming to define how workers navigate an AI-transformed workplace.
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