,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #chjb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,december #bj1 #bjah,mrs4 ,murray 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,hatch1 ,mr4 ,kaine1 ,mr4 ,scott1 and ,ms4 ,baldwin7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to promote effective registered apprenticeships1 for skills1 credentials1 and employment1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,effective ,apprenticeships to ,rebuild ,national ,skills ,act or the ,,earns ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title and table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings and purposes4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,promoting covered apprenticeships ,subtitle ,a--,the ,office of ,apprenticeship and ,state registration agency approval process ,sec4 #aaa4 ,the ,office of ,apprenticeship4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,promoting awareness of covered apprenticeship programs4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,national ,advisory ,committee on ,apprenticeships4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,recognition of ,state apprenticeship agencies4 ,subtitle ,b--,process and standards for the national apprenticeship system ,chapter #a--,process ,sec4 #aba4 ,registration of programs as apprenticeship programs4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,apprentice process4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,modifications or changes to apprenticeship programs4 ,chapter #b--,required apprenticeship program standards ,sec4 #abe4 ,required standards4 ,sec4 #abf4 ,apprenticeable occupations standards4 ,sec4 #abg4 ,quality standards of an apprenticeship program4 ,sec4 #abh4 ,apprenticeship agreement standards4 ,subtitle ,c--,evaluations and research ,sec4 #aca4 ,evaluations4 ,sec4 #acb4 ,research4 ,subtitle ,d--,general provisions ,sec4 #ada4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,,title ,,ii--,apprenticeship modernization and expansion grants ,sec4 #bja4 ,grants4 ,,title ,,iii--,general provisions ,sec4 #cja4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,effective date4 #b4 ,findings and purposes 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,a highly skilled workforce is necessary to compete in the global economy1 support economic growth1 and maintain the standard of living of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,the registered apprenticeship model is a longstanding1 on-the-job training and education model that prepares workers for the skill demands of particular occupations and employers while1 at the same time1 providing the workers with recognized1 portable credentials1 and wages while in training4 7#c7 ,the registered apprenticeship program model has been successful in skilled trade industries1 including construction and manufacturing1 as well as service industries1 such as health care1 and holds great potential for expansion into other industries4 7#d7 ,registered apprenticeships are becoming increasingly innovative and diverse in their designs1 partnerships1 timeframes1 and use of emerging concepts such as competency-based learning1 and will continue to evolve to meet emerging skill requirements1 while maintaining high standards and quality4 7#e7 ,registered apprenticeship programs are an essential element of an effective workforce development system and help individuals attain a recognized postsecondary credential1 contributing to their personal economic sustainability4 7#f7 ,according to a report from the ,georgetown ,university ,center on ,education and the ,workforce1 by #bjbj the ,united ,states will face a shortage of #e1jjj1jjj workers with recognized postsecondary credentials4 7#g7 ,according to a #bjab report from the ,annie ,e4 ,casey ,foundation1 youth employment in the ,united ,states has reached the lowest point since ,world ,war ,,ii4 ,more than #f1jjj1jjj young people ages #af through #bd are disconnected from school and work4 7#h7 ,a #bjab evaluation of registered apprenticeship programs in #aj ,states by ,mathematica ,policy ,research found that-- 7,a7 individuals who completed registered apprenticeship programs earned over #bdj1jjj more over their careers than individuals not participating in such apprenticeship programs2 7,b7 the estimated social benefits of registered apprenticeship programs1 including additional productivity of apprentices and the reduction in governmental expenditures as a result of reduced use of unemployment compensation and public assistance1 exceeded the costs of the programs by more than #di1jjj per program2 and 7,c7 the tax return on every ,federal ,government dollar invested in registered apprenticeship programs was #bg4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are-- 7#a7 to increase the number of highly skilled workers in the ,united ,states1 particularly in in-demand industry sectors and occupations2 7#b7 to increase the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials by participants2 7#c7 to increase awareness about the value of the registered apprenticeship program model as an effective earn-and-learn model for students1 workers1 and employers2 7#d7 to support the development and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs with employers1 joint labor-management organizations1 trade and professional associations1 and other sponsors1 that offer jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency2 7#e7 to support the development and expansion of effective pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to success in a registered apprenticeship program2 7#f7 to support a closer alignment between registered apprenticeship programs1 the workforce development systems1 career and technical education providers1 and postsecondary educational institutions1 including institutions of higher education2 7#g7 to support innovative models of effective work-based learning2 and 7#h7 to increase opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and regions of the ,united ,states to participate in registered apprenticeships as part of a career pathway4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,office of ,apprenticeship referred to in section #aaa7;b71 or any person specifically designated by the ,administrator to carry out the provision involved4 7#b7 ,apprentice ,the term apprentice means a worker who-- 7,a7 is not younger than age #af1 or 7where a higher minimum age standard is specified by law7 not younger than that age2 and 7,b7 is employed through an apprenticeship program that meets the required standards for an apprenticeship program as described in section #abe4 7#c7 ,apprenticeship agreement ,the term apprenticeship agreement means a written agreement-- 7,a7 that is between-- 7i7 an apprentice2 and 7ii7 the apprentice's apprenticeship program sponsor2 and 7,b7 meets the requirements of section #abh4 7#d7 ,apprenticeship laws ,the term apprenticeship laws means-- 7,a7 this ,act2 and 7,b7 the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq474 7#e7 ,apprenticeship program ,the term apprenticeship program means a training program that-- 7,a7 is registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq471 and this ,act2 and 7,b7 meets the standards of title ,i1 including culminating in a certificate of completion from the registration agency and a recognized postsecondary credential4 7#f7 ,area career and technical education school ,the term area career and technical education school has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#g7 ,career pathway ,the term career pathway has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#h7 ,competency ,the term competency means the attainment of skills and knowledge in a manual1 mechanical1 or technical area1 as specified by an occupational standard and demonstrated by an appropriate written and hands-on proficiency measurement4 7#i7 ,covered apprentice ,the term covered apprentice means a participant in a covered apprenticeship program4 7#aj7 ,covered apprenticeship program ,the term covered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program1 a pre-apprenticeship program1 or a youth apprenticeship program4 7#aa7 ,credit transfer agreement ,the term credit transfer agreement means such an agreement within the meaning of section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf4 7#ab7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,labor4 7#ac7 ,dual or concurrent enrollment program ,the term dual or concurrent enrollment program has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#ad7 ,education provider ,the term education provider means-- 7,a7 an area career and technical education school2 7,b7 an early college high school1 which has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja72 7,c7 an educational service agency 7including a collaborative of those agencies72 7,d7 a high school2 7,e7 a local educational agency or ,state educational agency2 7,f7 an ,indian tribe1 tribal organization1 or tribal educational agency2 7,g7 a postsecondary educational institution2 7,h7 a minority-serving institution 7as described in any of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 of section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a7772 or 7,i7 a consortium of entities described in any of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,h74 7#ae7 ,educational service agency ,the term educational service agency-- 7,a7 means such an agency1 as defined in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife2 and 7,b7 includes a collaborative of those agencies4 7#af7 ,high school ,the term high school has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#ag7 ,in-demand industry sector or occupation ,the term in-demand industry sector or occupation has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#ah7 ,indian tribe2 tribal organization ,the terms ,indian tribe and tribal organization have the meaning given the terms in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#ai7 ,individual with a barrier to employment ,the term individual with a barrier to employment has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#bj7 ,industry or sector partnership ,the term industry or sector partnership has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#ba7 ,local area ,the term local area has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#bb7 ,local and ,state educational agencies ,the terms local educational agency and ,state educational agency have the meanings given the terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#bc7 ,local and ,state workforce development boards ,the terms local workforce development board and ,state workforce development board have the meanings given the terms local board and ,state board1 respectively1 in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#bd7 ,national apprenticeship system ,the term national apprenticeship system means the collective group of apprenticeship programs1 youth apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs in the ,nation 7including the rules and regulations governing the #c types of programs74 7#be7 ,postsecondary educational institution ,the term postsecondary educational institution means-- 7,a7 an institution of higher education1 as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja72 and 7,b7 a postsecondary vocational institution1 as defined in section #ajb7;c7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c774 7#bf7 ,pre-apprentice ,the term pre-apprentice means a participant in a pre-apprenticeship program4 7#bg7 ,pre-apprenticeship program ,the term pre-apprenticeship program means a training model or program1 or training according to a set of strategies1 that-- 7,a7 is designed to assist individuals who do not meet the minimum qualifications for selection into an apprenticeship program1 established in a sponsor's apprenticeship standards in accordance with section #abg7f71 to meet the qualifications2 7,b7 is carried out by an entity that maintains a documented partnership with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship program2 7,c7 is a form of structured workplace education and training in which an employer1 industry or sector partnership1 industry association1 labor organization1 community-based organization1 and education provider collaborate to provide formal instruction that will introduce participants to the skills1 competencies1 and materials used in one or more apprenticeable occupations2 7,d7 is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program2 7,e7 is carried out in a manner that includes proper observation of supervision and safety protocols1 including paid1 on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors2 7,f7 is carried out in a manner that does not displace a paid employee2 and 7,g7 includes each of the following elements3 7i7 ,training and a curriculum that-- 7,i7 are based on and aligned with national1 ,state1 or local industry standards1 with the quality of the training leading to such a standard reviewed by a recipient of ,federal funds2 7,,ii7 are reviewed and approved annually by the sponsors of apprenticeships within the documented partnership2 7,,iii7 will prepare individuals1 with the skills and competencies needed to enter one or more apprenticeship programs2 7,,iv7 are aligned with career pathways2 7,v7 include employability skills training1 such as training through career and industry awareness workshops1 training through job readiness courses1 training for ,english ,language ,learners1 adult basic education1 or financial literacy1 or math tutoring1 as appropriate2 7,,vi7 culminate in a recognized postsecondary credential1 with the quality of the training leading to that credential reviewed by a recipient of ,federal funds2 and 7,,vii7 accurately simulates the industry and occupational conditions of the apprenticeship program described in subparagraph 7,d74 7ii7 ,strong recruitment strategies focused on outreach to populations underrepresented at the ,state and local levels in apprenticeship programs1 including individuals with barriers to employment4 7iii7 ,exposure of participants in such underrepresented populations to apprenticeship programs and provision of direct assistance to participants in such populations in applying to those programs4 7iv7 ,access to appropriate supportive services1 as defined in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act1 financial planning1 and mentoring1 and provision of first-day-of-work necessities4 7v7 ,efforts to collaboratively promote the use of apprenticeship programs as a preferred means for employers to develop a skilled workforce and to create career opportunities for individuals4 7vi7 ,facilitated entry or articulation agreements that enable individuals who successfully complete the program described in this paragraph-- 7,i7 to enter directly into an apprenticeship program2 or 7,,ii7 to earn advanced placement or credit at a postsecondary educational institution for skills and competencies acquired during the program described in this paragraph4 7vii7 ,a formal agreement with a sponsor of the apprenticeship program described in subparagraph 7,d7 that would enable participants who successfully complete the program described in this paragraph to enter directly into the apprenticeship program 7if a place in the program is available and other necessary requirements for acceptance are satisfied71 and an agreement enabling participants to earn advanced placement or credit at a postsecondary educational institution for skills and competencies acquired during the program described in this paragraph1 including basic academic and technical skills and competencies aligned with the apprenticeable occupation4 7#bh7 ,program administrator ,the term program administrator means the administrator of a pre-apprenticeship program or youth apprenticeship program1 as the case may be4 7#bi7 ,qualified intermediary 7,a7 ,in general ,the term qualified intermediary means an entity1 which may be part of an industry or sector partnership1 that demonstrates expertise in building1 connecting1 sustaining1 and measuring the performance of partnerships described in subparagraph 7,b7 in order for the entity to broker services1 resources1 and supports for development1 delivery1 expansion1 or improvement of covered apprenticeship programs1 and of the organizations and systems that are designed to serve covered apprentices and employer partners1 including-- 7i7 connecting employers to apprenticeship opportunities2 7ii7 assisting in the design and implementation of covered apprenticeship programs1 including curriculum development and delivery for related instruction2 7iii7 supporting entities1 and sponsors or program administrators1 in meeting the registration and reporting requirements2 7iv7 providing professional development activities such as training to mentors2 7v7 connecting students or workers to apprenticeship opportunities2 and 7vi7 developing and providing personalized covered apprentice supports1 including supportive services and financial advising4 7,b7 ,partnerships ,the partnerships described in this subparagraph are comprised of entities such as employers1 community-based organizations1 education providers1 social service organizations1 economic development organizations1 ,indian tribes or tribal organizations1 and one-stop operators and one-stop partners in the ,state workforce development systems involved4 7#cj7 ,recognized postsecondary credential ,the term recognized postsecondary credential means a credential consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification1 a license recognized by the ,state involved or ,federal ,government1 or an associate or baccalaureate degree4 7#ca7 ,registration agency ,the term registration agency means-- 7,a7 the ,office of ,apprenticeship2 or 7,b7 a ,state apprenticeship agency4 7#cb7 ,related instruction ,the term related instruction means an organized and systematic form of instruction that-- 7,a7 is designed to provide a covered apprentice with the knowledge of the theoretical and technical subjects related to the apprentice's occupation2 and 7,b7 may be given-- 7i7 in a classroom1 through occupational or industrial courses1 through correspondence courses of equivalent value1 or through electronic media2 or 7ii7 through other forms of self-study approved by the registration agency involved4 7#cc7 ,secretary ,except as otherwise modified1 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,labor1 acting through the ,administrator4 7#cd7 ,sponsor ,the term sponsor means an employer1 joint labor-management organization1 trade association1 professional association1 labor organization1 education provider1 qualified intermediary1 or other entity that administers and operates1 or is applying to administer and operate1 an apprenticeship program4 7#ce7 ,state ,the term ,state has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#cf7 ,state apprenticeship agency ,the term ,state apprenticeship agency means a ,state apprenticeship agency recognized by the ,secretary under section #aad4 7#cg7 ,workforce development system ,the term workforce development system has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#ch7 ,youth apprentice ,the term youth apprentice means a participant in a youth apprenticeship program4 7#ci7 ,youth apprenticeship program ,the term youth apprenticeship program means a structured program that-- 7,a7 is designed for youth apprentices who at the start of the program are eligible to be enrolled in high school2 and 7,b7 incorporates each of the following core elements3 7i7 ,paid1 on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors4 7ii7 ,related classroom-based instruction aligned with career pathways4 7iii7 ,ongoing assessment against established skill and competency standards4 7iv7 ,culmination in a recognized postsecondary credential1 with the quality of the training leading to that credential reviewed by a recipient of ,federal funds4 7v7 ,leads to placement in further education1 employment1 or an apprenticeship program4 ,i ,promoting covered apprenticeships ,a ,the ,office of ,apprenticeship and ,state registration agency approval process #aaa4 ,the ,office of ,apprenticeship 7a7 ,establishment of the office of apprenticeship ,there is established1 in the ,employment and ,training ,administration of the ,department of ,labor1 an ,office of ,apprenticeship 7referred to in this section as the ,office74 7b7 ,administrator ,the ,office shall be headed by an ,administrator who has the demonstrated knowledge of apprenticeship programs necessary to serve as the ,administrator4 7c7 ,responsibilities ,the ,administrator and the ,office shall be responsible for all of the following3 7#a7 ,determining whether a program meets the requirements to be approved and registered as an apprenticeship program1 in accordance with the apprenticeship laws4 7#b7 ,ensuring that each registration agency maintains the standards necessary to be an apprenticeship program through the agency's registration process and1 for each apprenticeship program-- 7,a7 has provided the program with a certificate of registration under section #aba7;c77#b77;,b72 7,b7 reviews the program for quality and compliance with the requirements of the applicable apprenticeship laws1 as required under sections #aba and #aca2 and 7,c7 reviews proposed modifications or changes to the apprenticeship program in accordance with the requirements of section #abc4 7#c7 ,recognizing ,state entities as ,state apprenticeship agencies under section #aad4 7#d7 ,managing the national apprenticeship system1 in cooperation with and through support to ,state apprenticeship agencies1 including by curating and sharing1 through an apprenticeship clearinghouse1 high-quality apprenticeship program materials1 such as related instruction or training materials4 7#e7 ,carrying out activities to promote effective pre-apprenticeship programs and youth apprenticeship programs4 7#f7 ,promoting awareness about apprenticeship programs1 including carrying out activities under section #aab4 7#g7 ,engaging in regular updates of the apprenticeship program registration process and ensuring that such process is easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors and administrators of apprenticeship programs and proposed apprenticeship programs4 7#h7 ,regularly engaging with the ,national ,advisory ,committee on ,apprenticeships established under section #aac and ensure that the required recommendations and other reports of the ,committee are submitted to the ,secretary and transmitted to ,congress4 7#i7 ,promoting greater diversity in covered apprenticeship programs1 including pre-apprenticeship programs and youth apprenticeship programs1 including by-- 7,a7 promoting outreach to nontraditional apprenticeship populations1 including women1 minorities1 individuals with disabilities1 veterans1 and individuals with barriers to employment2 and 7,b7 supporting the development or scaling of apprenticeship models4 7#aj7 ,providing for evaluations and research1 as described in subtitle ,c4 7#aa7 ,providing support for apprenticeship data collection and dissemination1 including-- 7,a7 establishing and supporting the information technology infrastructure needed to make non-personally identifiable apprenticeship data open and searchable so that interested parties can become aware of apprenticeship opportunities and of program outcomes1 including-- 7i7 information on high schools and #b-year and #d-year postsecondary educational institutions providing apprenticeship program opportunities2 and 7ii7 information on dual or concurrent enrollment programs and articulation agreements 7as such terms are defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb77 that are part of covered apprenticeship programs2 and 7,b7 improving data collection and data sharing by and among covered apprenticeship programs4 7#ab7 ,providing technical assistance to-- 7,a7 sponsors2 7,b7 qualified intermediaries2 7,c7 entities who are interested in developing and becoming sponsors2 and 7,d7 eligible entities carrying out youth apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs4 7#ac7 ,coordinating and aligning apprenticeship programs with other ,federal education and training programs1 including such programs authorized under the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caja et seq471 the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcja et seq471 the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcja et seq471 and the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq474 7#ad7 ,awarding grants to carry out the activities described in title ,,ii4 7#ae7 ,in coordination with the ,secretary of ,education1 the ,assistant ,secretaries of the ,office of ,career1 ,technical1 and ,adult ,education1 the ,office of ,postsecondary ,education1 and the ,office of ,elementary and ,secondary ,education1 promoting and supporting integration and alignment among secondary1 postsecondary1 and adult education and apprenticeship programs1 by-- 7,a7 curating best practices and strategies regarding how to-- 7i7 embed apprenticeship skills and competencies into curriculum and credential requirements2 7ii7 align related instruction with academic credit-granting curricula or translating skills and competencies to pathways to secondary and postsecondary credit through prior learning assessments and competency-based education2 7iii7 facilitate enrollment of individuals who have completed apprenticeships1 including pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships1 into further education1 including an associate1 baccalaureate1 or advanced degree2 7iv7 provide technical assistance for aligning financial aid with apprenticeship programs2 7v7 support data collection systems that align education and apprenticeship program records1 including information on apprentices who enrolled in1 or completed1 for-credit postsecondary coursework2 7vi7 provide related instruction that leads to educational certificates or degrees2 and 7vii7 align apprenticeship programs with the ,federal work study program under part ,c of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg-ea et seq472 and 7,b7 disseminating the best practices and strategies described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#af7 ,other responsibilities relating to apprenticeship1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary of ,labor4 7d7 ,functions ,the functions of the ,office on and after the effective date of this ,act shall include the functions of the ,office on the day before the effective date of this ,act1 including all of its personnel1 assets1 authorities1 and liabilities1 except as otherwise specified in this section4 #aab4 ,promoting awareness of covered apprenticeship programs 7a7 ,in general ,in order to promote awareness about covered apprenticeship programs1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,education1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and ,state apprenticeship agencies1 shall ensure that timely1 current information about the value of covered apprenticeship programs in the labor market is made available1 through a range of widely accessible formats and venues and in accordance with subsections 7b7 through 7e74 7b7 ,information for state and local workforce development boards 7#a7 ,in general ,in order to promote awareness about covered apprenticeship programs within workforce development systems1 the ,secretary shall disseminate information on the value of covered apprenticeship programs to ,state workforce development boards and local workforce development boards4 7#b7 ,content ,the information disseminated under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a list of apprenticeship programs in the ,state's in-demand industry sectors or occupations that are offered in the ,state or by the ,office of ,apprenticeship2 7,b7 guidance for training staff of the workforce development system within the ,state on the value of apprenticeship programs as a training option for participants1 including relevant placement1 retention1 and earnings information2 7,c7 guidance on how individual training accounts under section #acd7;c77#c7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd7;c77#c77 could be used to pay for the costs of enrolling in an apprenticeship program2 7,d7 guidance on how performance accountability measures under section #aaf of such ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cada7 apply to participants in apprenticeship programs1 including relevant placement1 retention1 and earnings information2 7,e7 guidance on how to provide youth apprenticeships to individuals under the age of #ah2 7,f7 guidance on how to provide pre-apprenticeship opportunities to individuals who are employed and looking to change careers1 underemployed1 out of work1 or underskilled2 and 7,g7 guidance on how to align eligible funding from1 and the requirements of1 the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caja et seq471 the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcja et seq471 the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #fcja et seq471 and the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq47 with the apprenticeship laws4 7c7 ,information for employers1 trade associations1 professional associations1 industry groups1 and labor organizations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,commerce1 shall provide information about the value of covered apprenticeship programs1 including relevant placement1 retention1 and earnings information1 through the one-stop delivery systems described in section #aba of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caea71 to employers1 trade associations1 professional associations1 industry groups1 and labor organizations4 7#b7 ,content ,the information provided under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 a list of apprenticeship programs in related occupations offered in the ,state or by the ,office of ,apprenticeship2 7,b7 information on how to develop an apprenticeship program2 7,c7 information on financial resources available to assist with the establishment and implementation of apprenticeship programs2 and 7,d7 information on related qualified intermediaries or industry or sector partnerships supporting apprenticeships1 as applicable4 7d7 ,information for education providers 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,education1 shall disseminate information on the value of covered apprenticeship programs1 including relevant placement1 retention1 and earnings information1 local labor market data1 and sector forecasts to determine in-demand careers1 to local educational agencies and postsecondary education providers4 7#b7 ,content ,the information provided under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 provide parents and students with a better understanding of covered apprenticeship programs and their value in secondary or postsecondary education and career pathways2 7,b7 provide school administrators 7working with academic counselors1 teachers1 and faculty7 and workforce and economic development coordinators information about the value of apprenticeship programs and information to assist in the development1 implementation1 and continuation of registered apprenticeship programs2 and 7,c7 enable potential program participants looking to change careers to obtain information about pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs4 7e7 ,information for qualified intermediaries 7#a7 ,in general ,to promote awareness about covered apprenticeship programs among qualified intermediaries1 the ,secretary1 in cooperation with the ,secretary of ,education1 shall disseminate information on the value of covered apprenticeship programs1 including relevant placement1 retention1 and earnings information1 local labor market data1 and sector forecasts to determine in-demand careers1 to qualified intermediaries serving as sponsors or apprenticeship partners4 7#b7 ,contents ,the information provided under paragraph 7#a7 shall be information that enables qualified intermediaries to support1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 potential apprentices to understand apprenticeship programs and their value in postsecondary education and career pathways2 7,b7 employers to understand apprenticeship programs and their value in workforce training2 7,c7 career and academic counselors to understand apprenticeship programs as a valuable postsecondary education option for students leading to job placement in in-demand industries and occupations2 and 7,d7 school administrators1 workforce and economic development coordinators1 and teachers and faculty to assist with the development1 implementation1 and continuation of apprenticeship programs4 #aac4 ,national ,advisory ,committee on ,apprenticeships 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,there is established1 in the ,department of ,labor1 a ,national ,advisory ,committee on ,apprenticeships 7referred to in this section as the ,advisory ,committee74 7#b7 ,composition ,the ,advisory ,committee shall consist of-- 7,a7 #bj voting members appointed by the ,secretary1 comprised of-- 7i7 #aj representatives of employers who participate in an apprenticeship program1 including representatives of employers representing nontraditional apprenticeship sectors such as information technology1 finance1 insurance1 healthcare1 or other in-demand industry sectors or occupations2 7ii7 #f representatives of labor organizations who have responsibility for the administration of an apprenticeship program sponsored by a joint labor-management organization2 and 7iii7 #d representatives from ,state apprenticeship agencies or ,governors1 community organizations with significant experience with an apprenticeship program1 area career and technical schools1 local educational agencies1 or postsecondary education providers with at least #a articulation agreement with an entity administering a covered apprenticeship program2 and 7,b7 ex officio nonvoting members1 selected by the applicable ,secretary1 from each of-- 7i7 the ,department of ,labor2 7ii7 the ,department of ,commerce2 7iii7 the ,department of ,education2 7iv7 the ,department of ,energy2 7v7 the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7vi7 the ,department of ,transportation2 7vii7 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 and 7viii7 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#c7 ,qualifications ,the members described in paragraph 7#b7 shall be selected upon the basis of their experience1 competence1 innovation1 and demonstrated performance regarding apprenticeship programs4 7#d7 ,terms 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall appoint each voting member of the ,advisory ,committee for a #d-year term4 7,b7 ,date ,the appointments of the initial members of the ,commission shall be made not later than #ij days after the effective date of this ,act4 7,c7 ,multiple terms ,a voting member of the ,advisory ,committee may serve #b full terms on the ,advisory ,committee4 7,d7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy in the ,commission-- 7i7 shall not affect the powers of the ,commission2 and 7ii7 shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment by not later than #ij days after the date of the vacancy4 7b7 ,chairperson ,the ,secretary shall designate one of the voting members described in subsection 7a77#b77;,a7 of the ,advisory ,committee to serve as ,chairperson of the ,advisory ,committee4 7c7 ,meetings 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,advisory ,committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson and hold not fewer than #b meetings during each calendar year4 7#b7 ,open access ,all meetings of the ,advisory ,committee shall be open to the public4 ,a transcript shall be kept of each meeting and made available for public inspection4 7d7 ,duties ,the ,advisory ,committee shall1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 advise1 consult with1 and make recommendations to the ,secretary on matters relating to the administration of the apprenticeship laws2 7#b7 annually prepare a set of recommendations to the ,secretary to streamline the registration process1 in order to make the process easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors while maintaining the standards under chapter #b of subtitle ,b2 and 7#c7 every #b years1 provide to the ,secretary and disseminate to the public a collection of best practices for engaging youth and underemployed individuals in covered apprenticeship programs4 7e7 ,personnel 7#a7 ,compensation of members 7,a7 ,in general ,a member of the ,commission who is not an officer or employee of the ,federal ,government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for each day 7including travel time7 during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the ,commission4 7,b7 ,officers or employees of the united states ,all members of the ,advisory ,committee who are officers or employees of the ,united ,states shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,staff ,the ,secretary shall supply the ,committee with an executive secretary and provide such secretarial1 clerical1 and other services as the ,secretary determines to be necessary to enable the ,advisory ,committee to conduct its business4 7f7 ,permanent committee ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,advisory ,committee4 #aad4 ,recognition of ,state apprenticeship agencies 7a7 ,recognition of ,state apprenticeship agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall exercise the authority provided under the apprenticeship laws to recognize apprenticeship programs by authorizing ,state agencies that meet the requirements of this section as ,state apprenticeship agencies4 7#b7 ,duration ,the ,secretary shall recognize a ,state agency that complies with the requirements of this section as a ,state apprenticeship agency for a #e-year period1 subject to subsections 7e7 and 7g74 7b7 ,authority of a ,state apprenticeship agency 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state apprenticeship agency authorized under subsection 7a7 shall have full authority1 for the period of such authorization-- 7,a7 to determine whether a program in the ,state complies with the standards of an apprenticeship program1 as established under the apprenticeship laws and published by the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 to recognize a program that does comply to such standards as an apprenticeship program1 for purposes of the apprenticeship laws4 7#b7 ,office of ,apprenticeship role ,in the event that a ,state does not apply for recognition under this section1 the ,secretary does not recognize a ,state agency as provided in this section1 or the ,secretary withdraws recognition of a ,state apprenticeship agency under subsection 7g71 the ,office of ,apprenticeship shall be the registration agency for all programs in the ,state and shall have the authority under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to programs in such ,state4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the ,office of ,apprenticeship from serving as a registration agency for a program in a ,state that has a ,state apprenticeship agency in other circumstances1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,agency components 7#a7 ,requirements ,in order for an agency of a ,state to be recognized as a ,state apprenticeship agency under this section1 the agency shall-- 7,a7 represent a ,state that has a ,state apprenticeship law1 which may be established through statute1 ,executive order1 regulation1 or other means1 and implement the ,state law in accordance with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws2 7,b7 submit a ,state plan for equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship2 7,c7 have sufficient resources and capacity to carry out the functions of a ,state apprenticeship agency under the apprenticeship laws and to maintain the quality standards of an apprenticeship program under section #abg1 including providing technical assistance and outreach activities to apprenticeship programs registered by the agency2 7,d7 prescribe the contents of apprenticeship agreements for sponsors in the ,state in accordance with section #abh2 7,e7 ensure that the registration of apprenticeship programs occurs only-- 7i7 in apprenticeable occupations1 as described in section #abf1 including occupations in high-growth and high-demand industries2 7ii7 for programs that meet the quality standards as described in section #abg2 and 7iii7 in the case of a program by a sponsor that employs employees who are represented by a labor organization1 when such sponsor has obtained the consent of such labor organization for the proposed program2 7,f7 accord reciprocal registration or recognition for purposes of the apprenticeship laws to apprentices1 and apprenticeship programs1 that are registered or recognized in other ,states by a registration agency and meet the standards of the apprenticeship laws1 if-- 7i7 such reciprocity is requested by the sponsor2 and 7ii7 the apprenticeship program meets the wage and hour provisions and apprentice ratio standards of the ,state awarding reciprocal registration or recognition2 7,g7 provide for the deregistration of apprenticeship programs1 and for temporary suspension or deregistration of apprenticeship agreements2 7,h7 submit apprenticeship performance reports as required under section #aca7;b77#b72 and 7,i7 comply with-- 7i7 any review conducted by the ,office of ,apprenticeship1 including any review conducted under section #aca2 and 7ii7 any determination by the ,secretary regarding whether1 based on reviews described in clause 7i71 the ,state apprenticeship agency is compliance with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws4 7#b7 ,optional ,council 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state apprenticeship agency may elect to establish or continue the establishment of1 and use1 a ,state apprenticeship council if the ,state apprenticeship council operates1 or will operate1 under the direction of the ,state apprenticeship agency4 7,b7 ,special rule ,a ,state apprenticeship council shall not be eligible for recognition as a ,state apprenticeship agency4 7d7 ,application ,a ,state desiring to have an agency recognized as a ,state apprenticeship agency under this section shall submit an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7#a7 a description of how the ,state meets the requirements of subsection 7c72 7#b7 a description of the basic standards1 criteria1 and requirements for apprenticeship program registration or approval2 7#c7 a description of the linkages and coordination of the ,state's proposed standards1 criteria1 and requirements with the ,state's economic development strategies and workforce development system2 7#d7 a description of any laws 7including regulations71 policies and operating procedures relating to the process of recognizing apprenticeship programs that depart from1 or impose requirements in addition to1 the policies and procedures required under the apprenticeship laws2 and 7#e7 an assurance that the ,state1 or the ,state agency1 will notify the ,secretary if there are any changes to ,state laws 7including regulations71 policies1 or procedures as described in paragraph 7#d7 regarding apprenticeships that occur after the date of application4 7e7 ,review and recognition 7#a7 ,in general ,by not later than #ij days after the date on which an application under subsection 7d7 is submitted1 the ,secretary shall notify the ,state regarding whether the agency of the ,state is approved and recognized as a ,state apprenticeship agency4 7#b7 ,transition 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state agency that1 as of the day before the effective date of this ,act1 was recognized by the ,secretary for purposes of registering apprenticeship programs in accordance with the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7#ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq471 shall submit an application and all supporting documentation1 as required under subsection 7d71 by not later than #b years after the effective date4 7,b7 ,transition period ,a ,state agency described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be considered to be a ,state apprenticeship agency1 for purposes of the apprenticeship laws1 until the earlier of-- 7i7 the end of the period that begins on the effective date of this ,act and ends #b years after such date1 or on the date of any extension provided under subparagraph 7,c72 or 7ii7 the date on which the ,secretary approves or denies the ,state's application under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,extension ,upon written request by a ,state1 the ,secretary may grant a ,state agency described in subparagraph 7,a7 an extension of time to comply with the requirements of this section for good cause1 except that in no case may the ,secretary extend the time for submission of the application and supporting documentation as required under such subparagraph4 7f7 ,review and technical assistance regarding ,state laws ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 review any ,state law 7including any regulation71 policy1 or operational procedure regarding apprenticeships that is identified by a ,state apprenticeship agency under paragraph 7#d7 or 7#e7 of subsection 7d72 and 7#b7 provide technical assistance1 as necessary1 to enable the ,state apprenticeship agency to maintain compliance with the apprenticeship laws4 7g7 ,secretary revocation of designation ,the ,secretary may revoke a designation as a ,state apprenticeship agency before the end of the #e-year period under subsection 7a77#b7 if the ,secretary determines1 after notice and an opportunity for a hearing1 that the ,state agency is not complying with a requirement of the apprenticeship laws4 ,b ,process and standards for the national apprenticeship system #a ,process #aba4 ,registration of programs as apprenticeship programs 7a7 ,registration agency duties ,each registration agency shall-- 7#a7 approve or deny applications from sponsors for registration of apprenticeship programs in the ,state or area covered by the registration agency2 and 7#b7 carry out the responsibilities of supporting the apprenticeship programs registered by the registration agency1 as described in section #aad7;c77#a74 7b7 ,apprenticeship registration request ,a sponsor of a program applying to be registered as an apprenticeship program shall request approval from an appropriate registration agency by submitting all information required by the registration agency1 including-- 7#a7 a copy of the apprenticeship agreement to be used by the sponsor and individual apprentices2 and 7#b7 a written assurance that1 if the program is approved and registered as an apprenticeship program1 the sponsor will administer and operate the apprenticeship program in accordance with the apprenticeship laws and comply with the requirements of the apprenticeship agreement for each apprentice4 7c7 ,registration process 7#a7 ,initial review ,upon receiving a request under subsection 7b71 the registration agency shall-- 7,a7 determine if the program is in compliance with the apprenticeship standards under chapter #b and all other applicable requirements under the apprenticeship laws for an apprenticeship program2 and 7,b7 if the program complies with such standards and requirements1 approve and register the program by-- 7i7 providing the sponsor of the apprenticeship program with a certificate of registration or other written evidence of registration2 and 7ii7 providing a copy of the certificate of registration1 and any other information required by the ,secretary1 to the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,transition process for previously approved programs 7,a7 ,definitions ,in this paragraph3 7i7 ,previously approved program ,the term previously approved program means an apprenticeship program that was registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7#ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq471 as of the day before the effective date of this ,act4 7ii7 ,transition period ,the term transition period means the #c-year period beginning on the effective date of this ,act4 7,b7 ,in general ,notwithstanding paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 a previously approved program that complies with all applicable requirements under the terms of such approval shall be treated as an apprenticeship program for purposes of the apprenticeship laws until the end of the transition period4 7,c7 ,request for recognition 7i7 ,in general ,by not later than the last day of the transition period1 the sponsor of a previously approved program that wishes to continue to be an apprenticeship program shall submit a request to the applicable registration agency-- 7,i7 demonstrating that the previously approved program meets all requirements and standards of the apprenticeship laws2 and 7,,ii7 requesting to be recognized as an apprenticeship program in accordance with the apprenticeship laws4 7ii7 #a-year extension ,upon request by a previously approved program1 the registration agency may extend a transition period for an apprenticeship program by #a additional year1 if the registration agency determines necessary given the applicable circumstances4 7,d7 ,registration process ,a registration agency receiving a request from the sponsor of a previously approved program shall review the request and-- 7i7 if the previously approved program is of sufficient quality and meets the requirements and standards of the apprenticeship laws1 shall approve and register the program under subsection 7c77#a77;,b72 or 7ii7 if the apprenticeship program does not comply to the requirements or standards of the apprenticeship laws1 shall recommend the apprenticeship program for deregistration in accordance with procedures established by the ,secretary4 #abb4 ,apprentice process 7a7 ,in general ,an individual seeking to be an apprentice shall apply through the sponsor of the applicable apprenticeship program4 7b7 ,apprentice registration ,a sponsor shall-- 7#a7 select individuals who meet the apprentice requirements for an apprenticeship program to be apprentices1 and enter into a written individual apprenticeship agreement with each such individual before the commencement of the apprenticeship2 and 7#b7 individually register each apprentice of an apprenticeship program with the registration agency1 by filing a copy of the individual apprenticeship agreement with the registration agency or as otherwise required by the registration agency4 7c7 ,acceptance and recording by registration agency ,the registration agency receiving an individual apprenticeship agreement under subsection 7b77#b7 shall review the agreement and1 if the agreement meets all applicable requirements1 shall accept and record the agreement as evidence of the individual's participation as an apprentice in the apprenticeship program4 #abc4 ,modifications or changes to apprenticeship programs 7a7 ,in general ,any sponsor that wishes to modify or change an apprenticeship program or the program's method of meeting the apprenticeship standards required under chapter #b shall submit the proposal for such change or modification to the registration agency for the apprenticeship program4 7b7 ,determination ,a registration agency receiving a proposal under subsection 7a7 shall determine whether to approve the proposal and-- 7#a7 by not later than #ij days after receiving the proposal1 notify the sponsor of the decision2 and 7#b7 7,a7 if the proposal is approved1 amend the record of the apprenticeship program to reflect the modification or change1 and provide the sponsor with an acknowledgment of the amended program1 by not later than #ij days after the date of approval2 or 7,b7 if the approval is not approved1 notify the sponsor of the reasons for the disapproval and provide the sponsor with appropriate technical assistance4 #b ,required apprenticeship program standards #abe4 ,required standards ,the required standards for a program to be an apprenticeship program and registered under the apprenticeship laws shall include the following3 7#a7 ,the program shall prepare students for an apprenticeable occupation1 as described in section #abf4 7#b7 ,the program shall meet the quality standards for an apprenticeship program required under section #abg4 7#c7 ,the sponsor of the program requesting approval and registration shall use an apprenticeship agreement that meets the requirements of section #abh4 #abf4 ,apprenticeable occupations standards ,an apprenticeable occupation under this section shall1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 involve skills and competencies that are-- 7,a7 required by and determined by a wide range of applicable industries2 7,b7 customarily learned1 or are enhanced1 in a practical way through a structured1 systematic program of on-the-job supervised learning2 and 7,c7 clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry2 7#b7 involve the progressive attainment of manual1 mechanical1 or technical and technology skills1 competencies and knowledge1 which-- 7,a7 are in accordance with the industry standard for the occupation2 and 7,b7 in the case of a time-based apprenticeship program or hybrid apprenticeship program described in clause 7i7 or 7iii7 of section #abg7b77;,e71 require the completion of not less than #b1jjj hours of on-the-job learning to attain1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,secretary2 and 7#c7 require related instruction to supplement the on-the-job learning of the occupation4 #abg4 ,quality standards of an apprenticeship program ,an apprenticeship program shall meet the following standards3 7#a7 ,the program prepares individuals for an apprenticeable occupation through paid1 structured on-the-job training in all phases of the occupation1 combined with related instruction4 7#b7 ,the program has an organized and clearly written plan1 developed by the sponsor1 that includes1 at a minimum1 the following information3 7,a7 ,the employment and training to be received by each apprentice participating in the program1 including-- 7i7 an outline of the work processes or the plan in which the apprentice will receive supervised work experience and training on the job2 7ii7 the allocation of the approximate amount of time to be spent in each major work process2 7iii7 mentoring2 and 7iv7 periodic reviews and evaluations of the apprentice's performance on the job and in related instruction4 7,b7 ,a process for maintaining appropriate progress records1 including the reviews and evaluations described in subparagraph 7,a77iv74 7,c7 ,a description of the organized1 related instruction the apprentice will receive in technical subjects related to the occupation1 which-- 7i7 shall include not less than #add hours for each year of apprenticeship1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,secretary2 7ii7 may be accomplished through classroom instruction1 occupational or industry courses1 instruction provided through electronic media1 or other instruction approved by the registration agency2 and 7iii7 shall be provided by one or more qualified instructors4 7,d7 ,a progressively increasing1 clearly defined schedule of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is-- 7i7 consistent with skill gains or attainment of a recognized postsecondary credential2 and 7ii7 ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater of-- 7,i7 the minimum wage required under section #f7;a7 of the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #bjf7;a772 or 7,,ii7 the applicable wage required by other applicable ,federal or ,state law 7including regulations7 or collective bargaining agreement4 7,e7 ,the term of apprenticeship for the program1 which may be measured using-- 7i7 a time-based approach which requires the completion of the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours 7which in no case shall be less than #b1jjj hours1 unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the ,secretary72 7ii7 a competency-based approach1 which requires the attainment of competency in the occupation2 or 7iii7 a hybrid approach that blends the time-based and competency-based approaches4 7,f7 ,the methods used to measure skill acquisition for an apprentice1 which-- 7i7 for each apprenticeship1 shall include the individual apprentice's successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge1 by-- 7,i7 requiring apprentices to complete an on-the-job learning component of the apprenticeship that is integrated into the program and the competencies of the program2 and 7,,ii7 identifying the appropriate means of testing and evaluation for such competencies2 7ii7 in the case of a time-based apprenticeship described in subparagraph 7,e77i71 shall also include the individual apprentice's completion of the required hours of on-the-job learning as described in a work process schedule2 and 7iii7 in the case of a hybrid apprenticeship described in subparagraph 7,e77iii71 a combination of specified minimum number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful demonstration of competency1 as described in a work process schedule4 7,g7 ,other terms and conditions of employment1 training1 and supervision of apprentices in the program1 as required by the ,secretary or the registration agency4 7#c7 ,the program equally grants advanced standing or credit for all individuals applying for the apprenticeship with demonstrated competency or acquired experience1 training1 or skills and provides commensurate wages for any progression in standing or credit so granted4 7#d7 ,in the case of a program that chooses to issue an interim credential1 the program-- 7,a7 clearly identifies each interim credential2 7,b7 only issues an interim credential for recognized components of an apprenticeable occupation1 and demonstrates how each interim credential specifically links to the knowledge1 skills1 and abilities associated with such components2 and 7,c7 establishes the process for assessing an individual apprentice's demonstration of competency and measurable skill gains associated with the particular interim credential4 7#e7 ,the program has adequate and safe equipment and facilities for training and supervision1 and provides safety training for apprentices on the job and in related instruction4 7#f7 ,the program has minimum qualifications for individuals desiring to enter the apprenticeship program1 with an eligible starting age for an apprentice of not less than #af years4 7#g7 ,the program provides that an individual who is to become an apprentice under the program enters into a written apprenticeship agreement described in section #abh with the sponsor4 7#h7 ,the program records and maintains all records concerning the program as may be required by the ,secretary1 the registration agency of the program1 or any other applicable law4 7#i7 ,the program awards a certificate of completion in recognition of successful completion of apprenticeship1 evidenced by an appropriate certificate issued by the registration agency1 and culminates in a recognized postsecondary credential4 7#aj7 ,the program provides all individuals with an equal opportunity to participate in apprenticeships under the program1 including through the method for the selection of apprentices1 as described in section #abb7;b74 #abh4 ,apprenticeship agreement standards ,an apprenticeship agreement shall contain1 explicitly or by reference-- 7#a7 7,a7 in the case of a time-based apprenticeship program1 a statement of the number of hours to be spent by the apprentice in on-the-job work in order to complete the program2 7,b7 in the case of a competency-based program1 a description of the skill sets to be attained by completion of the program1 including the on-the-job learning component2 or 7,c7 in the case of a hybrid program1 the minimum number of hours to be spent by the apprentice and a description of the skill sets and competencies to be attained by completion of the program2 7#b7 the number of hours to be spent in and form of related instruction in technical subjects related to the apprenticeable occupation2 7#c7 a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or industry divisions in which the apprentice is to be trained and the approximate time to be spent at each process2 7#d7 the graduated scale of wages to be paid to the apprentice and a statement regarding whether the required related instruction described in paragraph 7#b7 is compensated2 7#e7 a statement that the apprentice will be accorded equal opportunity in all phases of apprenticeship employment and training1 in accordance with the ,state plan for equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship described in section #aad7;c77#a77;,b7 and in compliance with the requirements of the ,secretary2 7#f7 methods for providing quarterly data describing the outcomes associated with the apprenticeship program2 and 7#g7 additional requirements determined necessary by the ,secretary or the registration agency4 ,c ,evaluations and research #aca4 ,evaluations 7a7 ,evaluations of programs and activities by the ,secretary 7#a7 ,in general ,for the purpose of improving the management and effectiveness of the programs 7including projects7 and activities carried out under this ,act1 the ,secretary shall provide for the evaluation1 by an independent evaluator1 of the programs and activities4 7#b7 ,contents ,such evaluations shall address-- 7,a7 the general effectiveness of such programs and activities in relation to their cost1 including the extent to which the programs and activities-- 7i7 improve the skill and employment competencies of participants in comparison to comparably situated individuals who did not participate in such programs and activities2 7ii7 to the extent feasible1 increase the level of total employment and1 for covered apprenticeship programs1 recognized postsecondary credential attainment and measurable skills over the level that would have existed in the absence of such programs and activities2 and 7iii7 respond to local labor market data and align with in-demand industries or occupations2 7,b7 the impact of the programs and activities for the participants1 sponsors or program administrators1 and employers2 7,c7 the return on investment of ,federal1 ,state1 local1 sponsor1 employer1 and other funding for covered apprenticeships1 capturing the full level of investment in1 and impact of1 covered apprenticeships2 7,d7 the longitudinal outcomes for participants in the programs and activities2 7,e7 the impact of specific apprenticeship policies on the general effectiveness of such programs and activities1 as applicable2 and 7,f7 opportunities to scale up effective covered apprenticeship models4 7#c7 ,techniques ,evaluations conducted under this subsection shall utilize appropriate methodology and research designs4 7#d7 ,reports 7,a7 ,independent evaluator ,the independent evaluator carrying out the evaluations shall prepare and submit to the ,secretary a final report containing the results of the evaluations1 and including policy recommendations if applicable4 ,the final report shall be made available for public inspection4 7,b7 ,secretary ,not later than #cf months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall produce a final report1 which shall include information related to the return on investment described in paragraph 7#b77;,c74 7#e7 ,reports to congress ,not later than #fj days after the completion of the final report described in paragraph 7#d77;,b71 the ,secretary shall transmit the final report to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate4 7b7 ,reviews by registration agencies 7#a7 ,comprehensive reviews 7,a7 ,in general ,a registration agency shall periodically review each program that the registration agency has registered as a covered apprenticeship program1 for quality assurance and for compliance with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws4 7,b7 ,timing of reviews ,a review described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall occur-- 7i7 at the end of the first full training cycle of covered apprentices under the covered apprenticeship program2 and 7ii7 beginning after the review described in clause 7ii71 not less frequently than once every #e years4 7,c7 ,comprehensive review ,the review shall be a comprehensive review regarding all aspects of the covered apprenticeship program's performance1 including determining-- 7i7 whether the registration agency is receiving notification from the sponsor of an apprenticeship program regarding individuals who are registered as new apprentices under the apprenticeship program1 or who successfully complete the apprenticeship program1 as required under the apprenticeship laws2 7ii7 whether the sponsor or program administrator of the covered apprenticeship program is complying with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws2 and 7iii7 the performance of the sponsor or program administrator with respect to1 at a minimum1 the indicators described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i71 with the performance data disaggregated as described in that paragraph4 7,d7 ,reports ,on completion of a review under this paragraph1 the registration agency shall prepare and1 as applicable1 submit to the ,secretary a report containing the results of the review4 7#b7 ,performance reviews 7,a7 ,in general ,a registration agency shall annually conduct a performance review of each program that the registration agency has registered as a covered apprenticeship program1 to determine-- 7i7 the performance of the sponsor or program administrator with respect to the indicators of performance under section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77i7 7or1 with respect to a youth apprenticeship program1 section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77ii77 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cada7;b77#b77;,a77i71 7ii771 with the performance data disaggregated by-- 7,i7 the program type 7apprenticeship1 youth apprenticeship1 or pre-apprenticeship program7 involved2 and 7,,ii7 race1 ethnicity1 sex1 age1 and membership in a population specified in section #c7bd7 of that ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb7bd772 and 7ii7 any additional information determined to be necessary by the ,secretary or registration agency4 7,b7 ,reports ,the registration agency for a ,state shall annually prepare and1 as applicable1 submit to the ,secretary a ,state performance report containing the results of the performance reviews conducted in the ,state4 7#c7 ,techniques ,evaluations conducted under this subsection shall utilize appropriate methodology and research designs4 7c7 ,subsequent action 7#a7 ,technical assistance and corrective action ,the registration agency shall provide technical assistance to the sponsor or program administrator of a covered apprenticeship program and identify areas that require corrective action if the registration agency determines1 pursuant to any review under subsection 7b71 that the covered apprenticeship program-- 7,a7 is not in operation2 7,b7 is not in compliance with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws2 or 7,c7 is achieving levels of performance on the indicators described in subsection 7b77#b77;,a77i7 that are lower than the national or ,state average4 7#b7 ,deregistration of a program ,the registration agency may deregister a covered apprenticeship program after making a determination stating that the program demonstrates persistent and significant failure to perform successfully1 which occurs when-- 7,a7 the sponsor or program administrator of the program consistently fails to register at least #a covered apprentice2 7,b7 the program shows a pattern of poor results on the indicators described in subsection 7b77#b77;,a77i7 over a period of #c years2 7,c7 the program demonstrates an ongoing pattern of levels of performance on those indicators that are lower than the national or ,state average2 7,d7 the program shows no indication of improvement in the areas identified by the registration agency as requiring corrective action under paragraph 7#a72 or 7,e7 the sponsor or program administrator has not administered the covered apprenticeship program in accordance with the program's registration under section #aba1 as applicable1 or with the requirements of the apprenticeship laws4 7#c7 ,notification and hearing ,if the registration agency makes a determination described in paragraph 7#b71 the registration agency shall notify the sponsor or program administrator of the determination in writing1 and permit the sponsor or program administrator to request a hearing by the ,secretary4 ,the registration agency shall transmit to the ,secretary a report containing all pertinent facts and circumstances concerning the determination1 including findings and a recommendation for deregistration1 and copies of all relevant documents and records4 ,if the sponsor or program administrator does not request the hearing1 the registration agency shall deregister the program after the period for requesting such a hearing has expired4 ,if the sponsor or program administrator requests the hearing1 the ,secretary shall make a decision on the record after the hearing with respect to deregistration4 7#d7 ,notification and treatment of apprentices ,not later than #ae days after the ,secretary deregisters a covered apprenticeship program1 or 7if the registration agency deregisters such a program and the sponsor or program administrator does not request a hearing7 not later than #ae days after the period for requesting such a hearing has expired1 the sponsor or program administrator shall notify all covered apprentices in the program-- 7,a7 of such deregistration and the effective date2 7,b7 that such deregistration automatically deprives the covered apprentice of individual registration as part of a covered apprenticeship program1 including the ability to receive a certificate of completion from the registration agency2 7,c7 that the deregistration of the program removes the covered apprentice from eligibility for any ,federal arrangement1 ,federal financial or other assistance1 or right1 privilege or exemption under ,federal law1 that-- 7i7 relates to a covered apprentice2 and 7ii7 requires the ,secretary's approval of a covered apprenticeship program2 and 7,d7 that all covered apprentices are referred to the registration agency for information about potential transfers to other covered apprenticeship programs4 7d7 ,definition ,in this section3 7#a7 ,deregister ,the term deregister means-- 7,a7 with respect to an apprenticeship program1 to cancel the registration of the program and payments under any grant made under title ,,ii for the program involved2 and 7,b7 with respect to a youth apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship program1 to cancel payments under the grant awarded under title ,,ii for the program involved4 7#b7 ,registration ,the term registration-- 7,a7 with respect to an apprenticeship program1 registration under section #abb7;c77#a77;,b72 and 7,b7 with respect to a youth apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship program1 the award of a grant under title ,,ii for the program involved4 7#c7 ,registration agency ,the term registration agency means-- 7,a7 with respect to an apprenticeship program1 a registration agency as defined in section #c2 and 7,b7 with respect to a youth apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship program1 the agency that awarded the grant for the program4 #acb4 ,research 7a7 ,research ,the ,secretary may conduct1 through an independent entity1 evidence-based research on best practices in covered apprenticeship programs and other issues relating to such programs4 7b7 ,techniques ,the research conducted under this section shall be evidence-based and shall utilize appropriate methodology and research designs4 7c7 ,reports 7#a7 ,independent entity ,the independent entity carrying out the research shall prepare and submit to the ,secretary a final report containing the results of the research1 including policy recommendations4 ,the final report shall be made publicly available4 7#b7 ,secretary ,not later than #dh months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall produce a final report containing the results of the research1 including policy recommendations4 7d7 ,reports to ,congress ,not later than #fj days after the completion of the final report described in subsection 7c77#b71 the ,secretary shall transmit the final reports to the committees described in section #aca7;a77#e74 7e7 ,public access ,the ,secretary shall develop a mechanism to make research conducted under this section publically available in a timely manner4 ,d ,general provisions #ada4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title such sums as may be necessary4 ,,ii ,apprenticeship modernization and expansion grants #bja4 ,grants 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to support and rigorously evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities2 7#b7 to expand existing apprenticeship programs2 7#c7 to develop new apprenticeship programs in industry sectors or occupations not traditionally represented in apprenticeship programs2 7#d7 to support qualified intermediaries2 and 7#e7 to support youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs4 7b7 ,definition ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible applicant ,the term eligible applicant means a consortium of entities that shall include #a or more representatives from each of the following3 7,a7 ,a local educational agency1 area career and technical education school1 educational service agency1 or postsecondary educational institution4 7,b7 ,in a ,state with a ,state registration agency1 that registration agency4 7,c7 ,an industry or business1 consisting of an employer1 a group of employers1 a trade association1 a professional association1 or an entity that sponsors an apprenticeship program4 7,d7 ,a ,state workforce development board or local workforce development board4 7,e7 ,to the maximum extent practicable1 as determined by the consortium-- 7i7 a labor organization associated with the industry sector or occupation related to the covered apprenticeship program involved2 and 7ii7 a qualified intermediary4 7#b7 ,new or existing ,the term new or existing1 used with respect to a program1 means a program that was new or existing1 respectively1 as of the day the eligible applicant involved submitted the application for the grant involved4 7#c7 ,state apprenticeship agency ,the term ,state apprenticeship agency means the ,state apprenticeship agency 7as defined in section #c71 acting in coordination with the ,state agency with responsibility for workforce investment activities under chapters #b and #c of subtitle ,b of title ,i 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caba et seq41 #caca et seq474 7c7 ,authority 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall use the amounts appropriated under subsection 7i7 to award grants to eligible applicants to carry out the activities described in subsection 7f74 7#b7 ,duration 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award grants awarded under this subsection for a period of not more than #c years4 7,b7 ,extension ,the ,secretary may extend the grant period for such a grant for not more than #a additional #b-year period1 if the grant recipient demonstrates to the ,secretary that the recipient-- 7i7 has effectively implemented a project described in subsection 7f77#d72 and 7ii7 has improved outcomes for1 as applicable1 apprentices1 youth apprentices1 and pre-apprentices1 as demonstrated through levels on indicators referred to in subsection 7h77#b77;,b77i74 7d7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section for a project involving a covered apprenticeship program1 an eligible applicant shall submit an application to the ,secretary1 containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 a designation of the member of the consortium referred to in subsection 7b77#a7 that will be the lead applicant1 and the member of such consortium that will be the fiscal agent1 for the eligible applicant2 7#b7 a description of each member of the consortium referred to in subsection 7b77#a7 and the role of each member in carrying out the project described in subsection 7f77#d71 which shall1 at a minimum1 demonstrate the eligible applicant's-- 7,a7 success in enrolling1 instructing1 advancing1 and graduating individuals in covered apprenticeship programs1 and enabling the individuals to succeed in employment that leads to self-sufficiency after program completion2 7,b7 ability to support1 including by providing technical assistance1 small- and medium-sized businesses in the creation of1 recruitment for1 and execution of covered apprenticeship programs2 7,c7 ability to access and provide opportunities to rural communities as appropriate1 and populations typically underrepresented in the industry sector or occupation of focus1 such as women1 minorities1 individuals with disabilities1 veterans1 and individuals with barriers to employment2 and 7,d7 ability to provide access to financial planning1 mentoring1 and alignment of supportive services1 such as transportation1 child care1 dependent care1 housing1 and needs-related payments1 that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in and complete a covered apprenticeship program2 7#c7 a description of the budget for the project1 the source1 amount1 and use of the matching funds required under subsection 7g71 and how the eligible applicant will continue the project after the grant period ends1 if applicable2 7#d7 a description of-- 7,a7 how the eligible applicant will use the grant funds as specified in subsection 7f77#d71 including a description of the activities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e7 of that section that the eligible applicant will carry out2 7,b7 how the project or the program involved in the project will be aligned with the labor market needs of in-demand industry sectors or occupations2 and 7,c7 how such funds will directly benefit apprentices1 youth apprentices1 or pre-apprentices1 as applicable1 served by the eligible applicant2 7#e7 a description of how the project carried out under the grant will be coordinated with the activities carried out as required for the covered apprenticeship program involved2 7#f7 a description of how the eligible applicant for the project will comply with requirements for an evaluation and report under subsection 7h72 7#g7 a description of how the activities assisted under the grant will be coordinated with activities carried out under the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcja et seq471 the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq471 or the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caja et seq471 as applicable2 7#h7 a description of how the eligible applicant will recruit and retain participants from nontraditional apprenticeship populations1 meaning populations that include women1 minorities1 and individuals with barriers to employment1 for covered apprenticeship programs2 and 7#i7 an assurance that the eligible applicant will-- 7,a7 provide information to the ,secretary1 as requested1 for such evaluations as the ,secretary may carry out2 and 7,b7 make program performance outcome data available 7in accordance with applicable data privacy laws1 including section #ddd of the ,general ,education ,provisions ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb;g77 to independent evaluators for validation and to enable the evaluators to prepare the evaluations and reports described in subsection 7h74 7e7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to eligible applicants proposing to serve a high number or high percentage of participants who are from nontraditional apprenticeship populations described in subsection 7d77#h74 7f7 ,uses of funds ,a recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to-- 7#a7 coordinate activities under this subsection with activities carried out under the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcja et seq471 the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq471 or the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caja et seq471 as applicable2 7#b7 recruit1 assess1 and enroll participants in covered apprenticeship programs1 especially in regard to-- 7,a7 providing support for employers1 sponsors1 or program administrators1 as relevant1 for the establishment or expansion of covered apprenticeship programs2 and 7,b7 recruiting and retaining nontraditional apprenticeship populations described in subsection 7d77#h72 7#c7 ensure that the sponsor or program administrator for the covered apprenticeship program involved uses #e percent of the grant funds to provide financial assistance to support the financial needs of covered apprentices to enter1 remain enrolled in1 and complete the program1 such as support for the related costs of training1 supplies1 courses1 transportation1 child care1 and housing2 and 7#d7 carry out a project that1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 expands existing apprenticeship programs1 to pay for the costs associated with-- 7i7 providing training or related instruction associated with the apprenticeship program or for curriculum improvements that align with the requirements of the apprenticeship program and learning assessments2 7ii7 maintaining a connection between-- 7,i7 the apprenticeship program2 and 7,,ii7 a pre-apprenticeship or youth apprenticeship program2 7iii7 conducting assessments of potential participants for1 and enrollment of the participants in1 the apprenticeship program2 7iv7 conducting outreach to and engagement with employers2 7v7 carrying out data collection and reporting activities2 and 7vi7 providing training for instructors or mentors2 7,b7 develops new apprenticeship programs in in-demand industry sectors or occupations not traditionally represented in apprenticeship programs1 including1 at a minimum-- 7i7 documenting growth over the previous #aj years at the ,federal1 ,state1 or local level in in-demand industry sectors or occupations that have not traditionally been industry sectors with apprenticeable occupations1 or apprenticeable occupations1 respectively2 7ii7 recruiting and supporting employers1 especially small- and medium-sized businesses1 for and in the creation and execution of new apprenticeship programs2 7iii7 promoting outreach to communities and to potential sponsors for those communities1 about apprenticeship programs1 including outreach to rural communities and communities with populations typically underrepresented in the industry sector or occupation of focus1 such as women1 minorities1 individuals with disabilities1 veterans1 and individuals with barriers to employment2 7iv7 creating1 or establishing partnerships with entities to provide1 access to financial planning1 mentoring1 and alignment of supportive services1 such as transportation1 child care1 dependent care1 housing1 and needs-related payments1 that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in and complete an apprenticeship program2 7v7 7,i7 creating1 developing1 or adopting related instruction associated with an apprenticeship program1 or developing a curriculum that aligns with the requirements of the program and a corresponding learning assessment2 and 7,,ii7 obtaining or providing related training2 and 7vi7 creating a connection between-- 7,i7 the apprenticeship program2 and 7,,ii7 a pre-apprenticeship or youth apprenticeship program2 7,c7 expands support for qualified intermediaries that are supporting covered apprenticeship programs1 or are seeking to expand their capacity to serve covered apprenticeship programs1 to enable the qualified intermediaries to carry out1 at a minimum1 activities that consist of-- 7i7 engaging employers1 especially small- and medium-sized businesses1 in the formation or ongoing development of industry or sector partnerships2 7ii7 identifying in-demand industry sectors or occupations to serve1 in alignment and coordination with ,state1 regional1 and local plans1 as required under the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caja et seq472 7iii7 supporting alignment between covered apprenticeship programs and local labor market needs1 to ensure all programs are in alignment with those needs2 7iv7 engaging with local education and training providers to support related instruction aligned with the needs of in-demand industry sectors and occupations1 and where applicable1 support provision of academic credit for related instruction2 or 7v7 providing services1 including business engagement1 classroom instruction1 and supportive services 7including at least #f months of supportive services after the conclusion of the covered apprenticeship program involved72 7,d7 creates or expands pre-apprenticeship programs1 which shall include1 at a minimum-- 7i7 coordination of activities with apprenticeship programs in in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the region2 7ii7 the use of integrated work-based and academic learning1 which may include training in the workplace2 7iii7 provision of career and education exploration activities1 including exploration of apprenticeship programs and postsecondary opportunities2 and 7iv7 for participants without a high school diploma or its generally recognized equivalent1 payment of costs affiliated with acquiring that equivalent2 and 7,e7 creates or expands youth apprenticeship programs1 which shall include1 at a minimum-- 7i7 paying for the costs associated with curriculum development and alignment of that curriculum with industry-recognized credentials 7with the quality of the training leading to that credential reviewed by a recipient of ,federal funds71 high school graduation requirements1 and apprenticeship programs1 including curriculum development for and alignment through dual or concurrent enrollment2 7ii7 providing employer support for youth apprentices under the age of #ah2 7iii7 the use of integrated work-based and academic learning1 which may include training in the workplace2 and 7iv7 provision of career exploration activities1 including exploration of apprenticeship programs and postsecondary opportunities4 7g7 ,non-,federal match 7#a7 ,matching funds required ,except as provided under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary may not make a grant for an entity under this section unless the entity agrees that1 with respect to the costs to be incurred by the entity in carrying out the project for which the grant was awarded1 the entity will make available matching funds from non-,federal sources in an amount not less than #c for every #d of ,federal funds provided under the grant4 ,the entity may make the matching funds available directly or through donations from public or private organizations1 in cash or in kind1 fairly evaluated4 7#b7 ,exception ,the ,secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under paragraph 7#a7 if the entity demonstrates that exceptional circumstances prevent the entity from meeting the requirement4 7h7 ,evaluation ,each recipient of a grant under this section shall-- 7#a7 annually provide for an independent evaluation of the project carried out under such grant2 7#b7 provide for the independent evaluator to prepare an annual report1 based on the evaluation1 that includes-- 7,a7 a description of how the funds received through the grant were used and how the uses of funds aligned with the description in the application specified in subsection 7d77#d72 and 7,b7 information on-- 7i7 for a project involving an existing covered apprenticeship program1 the performance of the grant recipient with respect to1 at a minimum1 the indicators of performance under section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77i7 7or1 with respect to a youth apprenticeship program1 section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77ii77 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cada7;b77#b77;,a77i771 with the performance data disaggregated by-- 7,i7 the program type 7apprenticeship1 youth apprenticeship1 or pre-apprenticeship program7 assisted under the grant2 and 7,,ii7 race1 ethnicity1 sex1 age1 and membership in a population specified in section #c7bd7 of that ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb7bd772 and 7ii7 for a project involving a new covered apprenticeship program1 the performance of the grant recipient-- 7,i7 for reports submitted during the first #cf months after the project involved begins-- 7aa7 that consists of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of program development1 including participant engagement and recruitment of partners1 employers1 and potential covered apprentices2 and 7bb7 on the indicators of performance described in clause 7i71 as such performance information becomes available2 and 7,,ii7 for reports submitted later than that first #cf months1 the performance of the grant recipient with respect to1 at a minimum1 the indicators described in clause 7i71 with the performance data disaggregated as described in clause 7i72 and 7#c7 submit the report-- 7,a7 for a project that relates to an apprenticeship program1 to the registration agency through which the program is registered2 and 7,b7 for a project that relates to a youth apprenticeship program or pre-apprenticeship program1 to the ,state apprenticeship agency4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary4 ,,iii ,general provisions #cja4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act shall be construed to supersede the requirements or standards of the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq471 or any rule implementing such ,act1 except to the extent that this ,act conflicts with any such requirement1 standard1 or rule4 #cjb4 ,effective date ,except as otherwise provided1 this ,act shall take effect on ,july #a1 #bjai4