DOL Looks to Expand AI Apprenticeships, Con Ed Worker Seeks More Lawyer Fees

Labor agency leaders aim to build AI-ready workforce, while a former Con Ed employee fights for higher legal fees after winning discrimination case.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Labor is looking to expand apprenticeship programs to help build an AI-ready workforce, according to Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling. Meanwhile, a former Con Edison employee who won a $200,000 jury verdict against the utility company is appealing to get a new trial on her discrimination claims and more money for her lawyers.

Why it matters

As AI technology becomes more prevalent, the DOL sees an opportunity to train American workers to operate and maintain the new AI infrastructure. This effort aligns with the White House's AI Action Plan, which emphasizes the importance of workers in the AI economy. On the other hand, the Con Ed case highlights ongoing battles over worker protections and fair compensation, even after a legal victory.

The details

Sonderling said the DOL wants to "open the aperture" of apprenticeships to bring them to big tech companies, beyond traditional trades like plumbing and manufacturing. The goal is to have apprentices not just build the AI systems, but also operate them. Meanwhile, former Con Ed employee Emily Penzo is appealing a judge's decision to reject her request for a new trial and to limit her legal fees to about a third of what she requested. Penzo had won a $200,000 jury verdict against Con Ed for disability discrimination and retaliation, but was seeking over $16 million in damages.

  • The DOL announced its AI apprenticeship plans at the State of the Net conference on February 10, 2026.
  • Penzo's lawsuit against Con Ed went to trial in 2023, resulting in the $200,000 jury verdict.

The players

Keith Sonderling

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, who announced the DOL's plans to expand apprenticeships to the AI industry.

Emily Penzo

A former Con Edison employee who won a $200,000 jury verdict against the company for disability discrimination and retaliation, and is now appealing to get a new trial and higher legal fees.

Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc.

The New York City power company that was sued by Emily Penzo for disability discrimination and retaliation.

Mary Kay Vyskocil

A U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York who rejected Penzo's request for a new trial and limited her legal fees.

Ephraim Pierre

A lawyer from Seyfarth Shaw LLP who will argue on behalf of Con Edison in Penzo's appeal.

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What they’re saying

“The most important thing we can do at the Department of Labor, when we know there's a desire to build and bring the money in, is to make sure that we have American workers who are trained and ready to get the job.”

— Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor (Bloomberg Law)

“At the end of the day we have to have a clear framework within the law that those AI tools need to comply with, just as if a human was making that decision.”

— Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor (Bloomberg Law)

What’s next

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear oral arguments on Wednesday regarding Emily Penzo's appeal to get a new trial and higher legal fees from her discrimination case against Con Edison.

The takeaway

The DOL's focus on building an AI-ready workforce through expanded apprenticeships highlights the government's efforts to prepare American workers for the growing influence of AI technology. Meanwhile, the ongoing legal battle between Emily Penzo and Con Edison underscores the continued need for strong worker protections and fair compensation, even after a legal victory.