23-771.02. Training program

A. The department shall establish a training program to provide a structured, supervised training opportunity to individuals through employers that volunteer to participate in the program. The training program may be a department-approved or a United States department of labor-approved apprenticeship program. The program may offer compensated and noncompensated training opportunities to individuals participating in the program. An individual in the program shall be at least eighteen years of age and shall register with the department.

B. Individuals may participate in the program on a voluntary basis. Individuals who participate in the program and who are not receiving compensation may continue to receive unemployment compensation benefits, if eligible, pursuant to section 23-771.01, subsection A, paragraph 2.

C. An employer that participates in the program must:

1. Have employees in this state.

2. Have at least one full-time employment position available in this state.

3. Provide training opportunities that benefit an individual who participates in the program and notify the department when the employer offers an individual a training opportunity under the program.

4. Sign a written agreement with each individual who participates in the program that sets forth the terms of the training.

5. Agree that the employer's current employees will not be displaced or lose any promotion rights due to an individual's participation in the program.

6. Provide any additional information that relates to the job training that the department requests.

D. An individual who participates in the program must:

1. Be currently receiving or be eligible to receive unemployment compensation benefits, pursuant to section 23-771.01, subsection A, paragraph 2.

2. Be willing to develop new skills or work experience.

3. Continue to seek work unless otherwise exempt, pursuant to section 23-771.01, subsection A, paragraph 2.

4. Certify to the department that the individual understands that participating in the program does not guarantee the individual any future employment or expectations of being hired by the employer.

5. Attend a mandatory program orientation that the department conducts.

6. Provide any information that the department requests.