OpenAI is moving to counter mounting criticism that artificial intelligence could wipe out jobs — even as it encourages companies to expand their use of the technology.
The company announced plans to launch a jobs platform designed to connect businesses with “AI-savvy” workers, according to a statement from its head of applications on Thursday. TechCrunch reported that the tool may debut in mid-2026, though no official launch date was given.
“AI will unlock more opportunities, but it will also be disruptive,” the executive said. “At OpenAI, we can’t eliminate disruption. But what we can do is help more people become fluent in AI and connect them with companies that need their skills.”
The move comes as new research highlights both the opportunities and risks of AI adoption in the workplace. A Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released Thursday found that while more firms are incorporating AI into their workflows, widespread layoffs haven’t yet materialized. Many companies are opting to retrain employees rather than replace them. Still, 13% of service firms using AI said they expect the technology to influence layoffs in the next six months, and some reported scaling back hiring or seeking workers already trained in AI.
Other reports suggest a sharper impact. An August study by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that more than 10,000 U.S. jobs have been cut in 2025 due to AI — a sign of accelerating restructuring tied to automation.
OpenAI’s new platform will include tracks tailored for local businesses and governments, along with an AI certification program. The certifications will range from “AI basics at work” to advanced roles such as prompt engineering. OpenAI aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, partnering with Walmart to integrate training directly into its workforce programs.
“By bringing AI training directly to our associates, we’re putting the most powerful technology of our time in their hands,” Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said in the release.
The initiatives also tie into the White House’s “America’s AI Action Plan,” announced in late July by the Trump administration to accelerate AI adoption across industries.
Still, the rollout comes against a difficult economic backdrop. The latest U.S. jobs report shows just 22,000 positions added in August, while unemployment climbed to 4.3% — the highest in nearly four years. With a tight labor market and companies like Shopify requiring staff to prove AI can’t do a job before making new hires, workers are facing more obstacles than opportunities.