Page 12

12

f. Vocational Educational Training

Vocational education is defined as an organized educational program which offers a sequence of courses directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment in current or emerging occupations that do not require an advanced degree. Such programs shall include competency-based applied learning which contributes in an individual’s academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning, problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, and the occupational-specific knowledge and skills that prepare participants for a specific trade, occupation, or vocation. Vocational education programs must be provided by education or training organizations, such as vocational- technical schools, community colleges, post-secondary institutions, proprietary schools, nonprofit organizations, and secondary schools that offer vocational education. Vocational educational training cannot be included in the work participation rate for more than 12 months for any individual. No more than 30% of the individuals counting toward the participation rate in a month may meet the work requirement by participating in vocational educational training. A teen parent head-of household attending secondary school or in an educational activity directly related to employment will be included in the 30%.

g. Education Directly Related to Employment

Education directly related to employment is defined as educational activities related to a specific occupation, job or job offer for individuals who have not received a high school diploma or an HSE diploma. This includes educational courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills for specific occupations or work settings, but may also include adult education, English as a second language (ESL), literacy skills, HSE prep classes, and supervised study sessions.

h. Secondary School Attendance

Satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a course of study leading to an HSE diploma is an allowable “non-core” activity for individuals age twenty and older who do not have a high school diploma or HSE diploma. Participation in this activity is not restricted to individuals for whom obtaining an HSE diploma is a prerequisite for employment. Minor parents, under age twenty, who have not completed secondary school or received an HSE diploma will be encouraged to pursue a high school diploma or HSE diploma. Educational activities for individuals under the age of twenty are considered “core” activities and are countable in the participation rate calculation. Educational activities for individuals age twenty and older are considered “non-core” activities and participation will only count in the work participation rate after the individual participates for an average of twenty (20) hours per week in a “core” activity.

i. On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training is defined as paid employment provided by a public or private employer through a contractual arrangement in which the employer provides training and skills essential to perform the job and the employer is reimbursed for the added costs