Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 589 - HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING COMMISSION, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Division 20 - WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT
Section 589-020-0225 - Employer Workforce Training Fund

Universal Citation: OR Admin Rules 589-020-0225

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024

(1) Purpose: The Employer Workforce Training Account (EWTA) was established by Executive Order #03-16 to support the retention and growth of living wage jobs, a skilled workforce, and competitive businesses in Oregon. To administer the EWTA, the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (Office) established the Employer Workforce Training Fund (EWTF). This workforce development strategy must ensure that public and private sector investments are leveraged for the greatest impact and that training programs are responsive to the needs of business, industry, and the workers.

(2) Definitions:

(a) Employer Workforce Training Account (EWTA): Established by Executive Order to support the Governor's economic recovery plan to ensure that a skilled workforce available to keep Oregon's industries productive and competitive.

(b) Employer Workforce Training Fund (EWTF): Includes Workforce Response Team (WRT) funds, EWTF Statewide Opportunity funds (SO) and the EWTF Governor's Strategic Training Fund (GSTF).

(3) General Provisions: Employer Workforce Training Fund (EWTF).

(a) The EWTF has three outcome goals:
(A) Create and retain living wage jobs in Oregon;

(B) Build a highly skilled workforce, especially in high-wage, high-demand industries;

(C) Enhance the global competitiveness of Oregon businesses based on the skill of their workforce.

(b) The EWTF includes Oregon's Workforce Investment Act (WIA) allocation, identified as reserve funds, under section 128(a) and 133(a) of the WIA.

(c) The OWIB Strategic Plan gives direction to the EWTF which is most advantageous economically to the state and workforce regions. The direction for EWTF funds may be updated at the direction of the OWIB and the Governor or his designee through the OWIB Strategic Plan.

(d) All employers and partner agencies participating in regional or statewide EWTF projects must meet the requirements of the Office Methods of Administration (MOA).

(e) OWIB must notify the Office annually, prior to July 1, of the funding allocation for EWTF. A minimum of 65% of the funds shall be allocated regionally for WRT purposes. The remainder will be allocated at OWIB's discretion for SO and GSTF.

(f) The Office shall allocate and distribute EWTF in accordance with the OWIB allocation. All funds must be expended on a cost reimbursement basis.

(g) EWTF projects must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, ordinances or orders applicable to this funding.

(h) All participants in any EWTF award decision must comply with conflict of interest requirements at 29 CFR 667.200(a)(4)(i) by neither casting a vote on, nor participating in any decision-making capacity.

(i) All EWTF projects are subject to the Office Monitoring.

(4) EWTF Workforce Response Team (WRT) Funds

(a) The EWTF WRT funds shall be used to support the training of workers at outlined in the Office policy 589-20.4.

(b) The Office shall distribute the WRT funds to the Local Workforce Investments Boards for regional distribution through the local plan.

(5) EWTF Statewide Opportunity (SO) Funds:

(a) The SO funds are awarded for the purpose of solving challenges or engaging in opportunities in Oregon with regard to its workforce development needs. SO funds will be focused in opportunity areas identified by the OWIB and the Governor or his designee.

(b) OWIB will:
(A) Seek, identify, and/or select proposals based on strategic plan priorities;

(B) Establish eligibility criteria and application process for SO grants;

(C) Set performance measures and reporting for SO projects;

(D) Approve SO projects;

(E) Adopt policies as needed for SO funds.

(c) The Office will administer the EWTF SO funds.

(6) EWTF Governor's Strategic Training Fund (GSTF):

(a) The GSTF supports the retention and growth of living wage jobs, a skilled workforce, and competitive businesses in Oregon. GSTF is a flexible, responsive, and time-sensitive resource for training Oregon's private sector workforce. The emphasis is to upgrade the skills of the workforce in order to increase productivity, keep Oregon businesses viable and competitive, and offer new skills and opportunities to Oregon's workers. The Governor or his designee, the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD), the Office and OED will set the broad criteria for GSTF. Funding decisions shall be made by the Governor and/or his designee. Upon the Governor's approval, an approved application will be sent to the Office to award funds.

(b) OWIB will coordinate with the Governor and/or his designee to:
(A) Establish eligibility criteria and application process for GSTF projects;

(B) Set performance measures and reporting for GSTF projects;

(C) Coordinate approval of GSTF projects decisions with the Governor and/or his designee;

(D) Adopt policies as needed for GSTF.

(c) The Office will administer the EWTF GSTF.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 351.755 & 660.318

Stats. Implemented: 660.318 & 660.340

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Oregon may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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