§3677 Approval of training on the job

Summary

State agencies that approve veteran training can OK on-the-job training (not apprenticeships) only when the job leads to promotions based on skills learned, not on time served, and the rules below are met. The employer must apply in writing and promise that the trainee’s starting pay will be at least what nonveterans in the same trainee job earn and at least 50% of the full job wage. Pay must rise in regular steps so that by the last full month of training it is at least 85% of the full job wage. That 85% rule does not apply to training run by the United States or by State or local governments. The employer must also show a reasonable chance the job will be available when training ends. The pay promise requirement does not apply to training described in section 3452(e)(2). The state approving agency must check that the training actually teaches the skills for the job, is full time for between six months and two years, is no longer than normal in the community, includes related instruction if needed, has enough space, equipment, and instructors, keeps progress records, is not for someone already qualified, and has a signed training agreement given to the trainee, the Secretary, and the state agency. The Secretary may run a pilot program to train Department employees as claims adjudicators for up to three years and must report to Congress: an initial report within three years of starting the pilot and a final report 18 months after the first report with recommendations.