Employment and Training Administration January 15, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), announces the availability of approximately $6.5 million for 10-20 grants to promote the adoption of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework established by the Final Rule published on October 29, 2008 (73 FR 64402), promulgating revised 20 CFR Part 29, Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs. The grants will fund the development and/or adaptation of national guideline standards that incorporate competency-based progression; hybrid-style progression; and/or interim credentials. Funds are also available to train staff, apprenticeship instructors and members on the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework and on the development of standards that utilize the elements of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework as established by the Final Rule. National industry and employer associations, labor-management organizations and other organizations that demonstrate the capacity to advance registered apprenticeship through the development of new or modified apprenticeship standards using the elements of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework are eligible to apply for grant funds. To be considered for an award, grant applications must incorporate at least four of the following seven components: 1. Continued expansion into fast growing and/or new and emerging industries (including construction). 2. Development of new or modified programs or guideline standards that utilize competency-based (see Part VIIISection 2Key Definitions) or hybrid training models (see Part VIIISection 2Key Definitions). 3. Use of interim credentialing to acknowledge the skills an apprentice attains during training. 4. Adoption of Technology-Based Learning strategies for related instruction. 5. Strategic partnerships with the Office of Apprenticeship (OA), State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAA), and the public workforce investment system. 6. Innovative strategies to serve under-represented populations, particularly youth and women, to meet the talent development needs of regional economies through Registered Apprenticeship. 7. Innovative Partnerships with Education (Secondary and Post- Secondary) and other key stakeholders. Allowable activities may include developing new or modifying existing standards for apprenticeship programs (including national guideline standards), developing curricula to support these standards; using technology-based learning strategies; developing skill assessment tools for competency-based models; training and education to take advantage of the opportunities outlined in the new regulatory requirements; and conducting outreach and training efforts to educate members, affiliates, staff and partners on the new model. All applicants must develop or modify at least one national guideline standard with at least four programs and train a minimum of 100 apprentices in the new model. Additionally, all applicants must demonstrate that they have the ability and expertise to develop the new framework and the capacity to provide training to their membership. This expertise and capacity can be demonstrated by the individual applicant or through partnership with other organizations. ETA recognizes that the use of these approaches will offer apprentices greater opportunities to increase their knowledge and attain the skills that emerging and high growth industries demand. Additionally, the use of interim credentialing and competency-based models will ensure that apprentices receive recognition for the skills and competencies they have attained during and prior to completion of a traditional time-based program. ETA believes that expanding the use of these Apprenticeship models will increase the ability of apprenticeship programs to meet the needs of industries that require more flexibility in training a worker for the required level of proficiency and expertise.