When discussing artificial intelligence, one of the most common questions is how it will reshape jobs and companies. OpenAI’s leadership argues that while AI will disrupt the workplace—changing how jobs look and requiring companies to adapt—it will also create new opportunities, enabling people to turn ideas into income and helping businesses operate more efficiently.

OpenAI emphasizes that disruption cannot be eliminated, but the focus can be shifted toward expanding access to AI fluency. The vast majority of people who use ChatGPT each week—hundreds of millions worldwide—do so for free, reflecting OpenAI’s goal of putting powerful AI tools into as many hands as possible.

At the same time, the company stresses that access alone is not enough. Workers must also learn how to apply AI effectively in order to be more productive, shape the world around them, and gain greater control over their career paths. Connecting these newly skilled workers to employers who value AI expertise is positioned as the next critical step.

To scale its efforts, OpenAI is working with a wide range of partners across industries and regions. These include major employers such as Walmart and John Deere, professional services firms like Boston Consulting Group and Accenture, hiring platform Indeed, community organizations such as the Texas Association of Business and the Bay Area Council, and state governments including Delaware.

Through these collaborations, OpenAI aims to bridge the gap between AI-skilled workers and real-world demand. The partners will help ensure training aligns with employer needs, while also broadening access to opportunities at both local and national levels. Together, these partnerships will support two cornerstone initiatives: the OpenAI Jobs Platform and the new OpenAI Certifications program.

The new OpenAI Jobs Platform is designed to help companies find employees with proven AI expertise, using AI-driven matching to connect qualified individuals with the right opportunities. It will also include dedicated tracks for local businesses and governments to source talent in their own regions. For example, the Texas Association of Business plans to use the platform to link thousands of Texas employers with skilled workers who can help modernize their business operations.

OpenAI stresses that the platform is not only for large enterprises seeking AI experts. Local governments will also be able to identify talent to improve public services, and smaller companies will gain access to candidates who can help them stay competitive in an AI-driven economy. By positioning the platform as a resource for organizations of every size, OpenAI frames it as a tool to level the playing field in access to AI talent.

Studies show that workers with AI skills are more valuable, more productive, and earn higher wages than those without. To address this, OpenAI earlier this year launched the OpenAI Academy, a free online learning platform that has already helped more than 2 million people access resources, workshops, and communities to strengthen their AI capabilities.

Building on that foundation, the company is now introducing OpenAI Certifications, which will validate different levels of AI fluency. Certifications will range from basic workplace applications of AI to advanced skills such as custom AI jobs and prompt engineering.

Preparation and testing will take place directly inside ChatGPT’s Study mode, allowing learners to train and certify without leaving the app. Employers will also be able to integrate these certifications into their learning and development programs, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills businesses need most.

As part of its commitment, OpenAI aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, with support from launch partners such as Walmart, which will offer the training directly to its workforce.

“At Walmart, we know the future of retail won’t be defined by technology alone—it will be defined by people who know how to use it. By bringing AI training directly to our associates, we’re putting the most powerful technology of our time in their hands—giving them the skills to rewrite the playbook and shape the future of retail.”
—John Furner, CEO, Walmart U.S.

OpenAI acknowledges that traditional upskilling and reskilling programs have had mixed results, often failing to deliver better jobs or higher wages. To address this, the company says it has studied what has and hasn’t worked in the past and is designing its programs to better align with the needs of both workers and employers. Through its launch partners and the new Jobs Platform, OpenAI is grounding training in the real skills employers want, helping to better match supply and demand. The training is also being structured to promote meaningful skill-building, rather than relying on traditional click-through certifications.

These initiatives are part of OpenAI’s broader commitment to the White House’s efforts to expand AI literacy. The company emphasizes that the goal is to empower people at every level to benefit from the opportunities AI brings—not just a select few. While there is still progress to be made, OpenAI positions these programs as an important step toward building a more inclusive, AI-ready future.

Q: What is the OpenAI Jobs Platform?
A: The OpenAI Jobs Platform connects employers with AI-skilled workers, using AI-driven matching to align skills with company needs.

Q: Who are the launch partners for OpenAI’s initiatives?
A: Partners include Walmart, John Deere, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Indeed, and several state and community organizations.

Q: What are OpenAI Certifications?
A: OpenAI Certifications validate different levels of AI fluency, from basic workplace applications to advanced skills like prompt engineering.

Q: How will workers prepare for certifications?
A: Workers can study and complete certification directly inside ChatGPT’s Study mode, making the process fully integrated with the app.

Q: What is OpenAI’s certification goal?
A: OpenAI aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, scaling access to AI skills nationwide.

The launch of the OpenAI Jobs Platform and Certifications marks a significant step in embedding AI skills directly into the workforce. By creating both a training pathway and a hiring marketplace, OpenAI is positioning itself as more than a technology provider—it is becoming an active player in the employment services market. This approach highlights the company’s intent to close the growing skills gap and ensure that AI-literate workers are connected to real-world opportunities.

The move also places OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, which has been rapidly rolling out its own AI-powered features in recent months. The rivalry is especially notable given that LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, one of OpenAI’s largest partners, and was co-founded by Reid Hoffman, an early OpenAI investor.

As OpenAI expands into hiring and skills verification, the intersection of AI training, recruitment, and corporate partnerships is set to become a critical battleground in shaping how the workforce adapts to new technologies. The outcome could influence not just how companies hire, but also how millions of workers gain and demonstrate the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiroo’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.