13. Training Services: An Overview

What The Law Requires: Most adult and dislocated worker training, with some exceptions, must be provided through "individual training accounts" (ITAs). The exceptions include on-the-job training, customized training, training provided to special populations by community-based organizations and areas having insufficient eligible providers. Vouchers can only be used for training with certified training providers. Employers and unions can receive contracts to provide OJT or customized training to new workers or existing workers who need to upgrade their skills in order to retain self-sufficiency.

• occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment

• on-the-job training

• programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include cooperative education programs

• training programs operated by the private sector

• skill upgrading and retraining

• entrepreneurial training

• job readiness training

• adult education and literacy activities provided in combination with any of the before stated training services

• customized training conducted with a commitment by an employer or group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training

Labor’s Perspective: Labor should seek the following:

• an open and fair process for determining the amount, duration and workers eligible for ITAs, including written policies that are available to participants

• a process for tracking the use of vouchers and the outcomes for individuals who purchase training with vouchers

• sound financial systems for managing individual training account purchases

• consultation with unions having skill knowledge to assure connections with demand occupations and relevant curriculum as well as concurrence by affected unions

• standards for OJT and customized training that include adequate preparation of trainees prior to training, incorporate best practice adult learning principles, contain curriculum outlines that specify the skills to be taught and regular reporting and payment schedules that reflect wage and skill progression

• requirements that OJT and customized training providers consult with the appropriate union when they offer training in the area in which union members have skills, to help determine the labor market relevance of proposed training

• performance standards that measure full week, permanent employment with living wages and benefits as well as career mobility. Training and placements in temporary jobs or with employee leasing firms should be prohibited

• definitions for self-sufficiency that include living wages, benefits and full week employment as well as opportunities for upward mobility

• sufficient income and other support services to enable workers to participate in training.