(a) Training Entity Eligibility - (i) The following Wyoming-based training entities are eligible to apply for training grants under this section:
- (A) Industry associations;
- (C) Private training entities; in compliance with all requirements set forth by the Wyoming Department of Education;
- (D) Community Colleges; and
- (E) University of Wyoming.
(b) Training Entity and Business or Businesses Compliance Requirements
Training entities and the business or businesses participating in the application shall meet the following requirements to be eligible to receive training grants under this section. The training entity and the business or businesses shall be:
- (i) In good standing with the Wyoming Unemployment Insurance program, if required;
- (ii) In good standing with the Wyoming Workers' Compensation program, if required;
- (iii) Registered and in good standing with the Wyoming Secretary of State's office, if required; and
- (iv) In good standing with the Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF).
(c) Training Eligibility
In order for the training to be approved under this section, the training entity shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of DWS that the training shall:
- (i) Provide trained workers for a business, businesses or industry in Wyoming;
- (ii) Provide trainees, upon completion, with:
- (A) A license or certificate; and
- (B) Skills to receive a progressive wage.
- (iii) Be provided in the length of time appropriate to the business, businesses or industry need;
(d) Trainee Eligibility - (i) Meet the eligibility requirements of the Department of Labor; and
(e) Business, Businesses or Industry Requirements - (i) All government entities, except Wyoming county hospitals, are not eligible to participate in Apprenticeship Training Grants.
- (ii) The business, businesses or industry shall be involved in the:
- (A) Grant application process; and
- (B) Design of the training program.
(f) Allowable Training Expenses
The following training expenses may be allowed, if supported by the application:
- (i) Direct training costs include, but are not limited to, tuition, registration, class fees and class materials directly related to the training;
- (ii) Travel expenses to include transportation, lodging and meals directly related to training;
- (iii) Instructor wages and fringe benefits;
- (iv) Fees for licenses and certifications that may be obtained during the training;
- (v) Administration not to exceed five percent (5%) of the direct training costs;
- (vi) Where additional monetary contributions are received, the grant would cover the remaining balance not to exceed the actual expenditures.
(g) Non-allowable Training Expenses - (i) Purchased, rented or leased equipment shall not be allowed.
(h) Grant Application Process - (i) Training entities applying for grants under this section shall complete the Apprenticeship Training Grant application provided by DWS, to include detailed information about the following:
- (A) Provide Davis-Bacon Certificate;
- (B) How the training meets the training eligibility requirements of Section 3(c) of these rules;
- (C) The training entity's ability to provide the training and qualifications of staff involved;
- (D) The training entity's ability to provide an appropriate assessment of the outcomes of the training;
- (E) Confirmation from the business, businesses or industry that the training plan will meet the specific need;
- (F) Any partnerships that support the project or other resource enhancements or contributions to the project;
- (G) The number of trainees to be trained and the wage progression upon completion of training; and
- (H) A cost proposal and budget sheet.
- (ii) Training entities shall prepare the application jointly with the business or businesses and Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
- (iii) The completed Apprenticeship Training Grant application shall be submitted to DWS.
- (iv) Past performance of the training entity shall be considered regarding future grant awards.
(i) Grant Approval Process - (i) DWS will screen Apprenticeship Training Grant applications for compliance with the requirements of Sections 3(a) through (h) above.
- (A) Applications that do not meet the requirements will be rejected.
- (B) Applications that meet the requirements will be submitted to a subcommittee of the Wyoming Workforce Development Council (WWDC) for consideration.
- (ii) The WWDC subcommittee may require the training entity, business, businesses or industry to make a presentation supporting their application.
- (iii) The WWDC subcommittee shall consider the application and make a recommendation to the Director of DWS regarding whether or not to award the grant.
- (iv) After the WWDC subcommittee recommendation, the DWS Director shall make the final decision.
(j) Contract and Payment - (i) If the grant is approved and funds are available, DWS shall enter into a contract with the approved training entity.
- (ii) Grant funds shall be paid directly to the training entity.
- (iii) Training programs must be operated on a cost reimbursement basis with the training entity billing the WDTF once per month.
(k) Reporting Requirements - (i) The training entity in collaboration with the business partners shall submit a Final Report to DWS outlining the results of the training:
- (A) Number of trainees served;
- (B) Trainee identifying information;
- (C) Date services began and ended for each trainee;
- (D) Post-training employment information;
- (E) List of annual certificate of completion for trainees; and
- (F) Demonstrate and document how the training increased the skill level of the trainees and improved the efficiency, profitability, or compliance of the business, businesses or industry.
(l) Performance Standards - (i) Eighty percent (80%) of the trainees complete the training;
- (ii) Each trainee who completes the training receives a certificate of completion;
- (iii) The trainees who completed the training have been retained in employment with the business entity for a ninety (90) day period after the date of completion of the training; and
- (iv) Show proof of progressive wages.