Training Managers’ Role in Developing AI Governance Frameworks

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Bill Brantley
December 20, 2024

AI Skills Gap in Local Governments

AI is transforming government services by boosting efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. However, a Public Technology Institute (PTI) survey highlights challenges in local governments’ AI adoption. It found that 38 percent of IT leaders feel unprepared for effective AI implementation, while only 9% believe they are fully ready. This underscores a significant readiness gap that could limit AI benefits for governments.

Key challenges are security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns and a shortage of skilled personnel. To address these, robust strategies for skill development and AI governance are needed. Training managers must promote continuous learning and equip employees to use AI responsibly. Training managers can also serve as strategic partners in advising the senior leadership team on how to best communicate the change to employees.

This article explores how government training managers can close these gaps by implementing targeted training programs and establishing effective AI governance. By prioritizing these actions, managers can empower governments to leverage AI securely and ethically, ensuring better outcomes for citizens while addressing the pressing challenges of AI integration.

Understanding AI Governance Frameworks

Before addressing skill gaps, it’s crucial to define an AI governance framework. Essentially, AI governance ensures ethical, transparent and secure use of AI technologies. A solid framework includes:

• Policy Development: Establishing rules for AI deployment, including guidelines for data usage, algorithmic accountability and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Risk Management: Identifying and addressing potential risks, such as biases in algorithms or cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Employee Empowerment: Training staff to effectively implement, monitor and manage AI systems.

Creating this framework needs more than technical skills. It requires a multidisciplinary approach, including legal, ethical and operational insights, where training managers are crucial.

Step 1: Conduct a Training Needs Assessment

Training managers should start by assessing current skills and knowledge gaps within their organizations. A thorough needs assessment can address questions such as:

• Are employees knowledgeable about AI concepts and technologies?
• Do staff understand the ethical, legal and operational impacts of AI?
• Can employees handle risks linked with AI systems?

Training managers can collect data through surveys, focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders to design targeted training programs.

Step 2: Develop a Multi-Tiered Training Strategy

AI governance training needs to be tailored to different employee roles. Consider these tiers:

• Executive Leadership: Training in strategic decisions, ethics and AI in policy and governance.
• IT and Data: Technical training on AI implementation, algorithm transparency and cybersecurity.
• General Staff: Courses on AI literacy to ensure all employees understand AI basics and relevance to their roles.

Case studies, scenario planning and workshops make training engaging and effective.

Step 3: Leverage Partnerships and External Resources

Local governments can collaborate with universities, tech companies and professional organizations to access knowledge and resources for AI training. For instance:

• Certifications: Promote AI governance certifications from CompTIA, MIT or Stanford Online.
• Academic Partnerships: Collaborate with universities for tailored training programs.
• Vendor Training: Partner with AI vendors for specialized tool and technology training.

By utilizing external expertise, managers can address resource limitations and maintain effective training programs.

Step 4: Incorporate Adaptive Learning Technologies

Adaptive learning platforms personalize training based on employees’ skill levels and learning styles. These technologies use AI to identify knowledge gaps and recommend tailored content, allowing employees to progress at their own pace. For instance:

• Beginners should start with basic AI modules.
• Advanced learners can study algorithmic bias or data privacy.

This tailored approach enhances learning outcomes and efficiently uses training resources.

Step 5: Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

Bridging the AI skills gap needs ongoing professional development. Training managers can promote continuous learning by:

• Establish AI learning communities to share insights, challenges and best practices.
• Provide microlearning modules on emerging AI topics for quick, on-demand training.
• Recognize employees who complete AI training or earn certifications to highlight the importance of continuous education.

Step 6: Measure and Refine Training Programs

Training managers need to set success metrics for effective AI training. These may include:

• Employees are trained in AI governance.
• Better post-training assessment scores.
• Increased staff confidence in AI management.

Regularly reviewing these metrics enables training managers to recognize areas for improvement and adjust their programs to meet changing needs.

Empowering Governments to Lead in AI

State and local governments can greatly benefit from AI, but they also face challenges. Addressing skill gaps in AI governance is crucial. Training managers can help by assessing needs, partnering externally and promoting ongoing learning to manage AI effectively. As AI evolves, training strategies must advance too. With the right approach, governments can bridge the skills gap and lead in ethical, effective AI adoption.

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 Author: Dr. Bill Brantley is the President and Chief Learning Officer for BAS2A, an instructional design consultancy for state and local governments. He also teaches at the University of Louisville and the University of Maryland. His opinions are his own and do not reflect those of his employers. You can reach him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbrantley/.

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