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Trade Act Programs: Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workforce Development Professionals

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program is a federal program that provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA offers a variety of benefits and re-employment services to assist unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment.

Not everyone who is eligible to participate in the Trade Adjustment Assistance program will need training. Trade-impacted individuals work with staff in the One-Stop or another designated workforce development agency to determine what type of services are needed and whether or not training is needed to find a new job.

Learn more about the following:

One-Stop and other designated staff will work with individuals to evaluate employment history, skills, educations, labor market conditions and history of the job search to determine eligibility and the most type of training.

CRITERIA

  1. There is no suitable employment available for the adversely affected worker.
  2. The worker should benefit from appropriate training, as it should provide necessary skills to gain employment and be within the worker's abilities to complete.
  3. There is a reasonable expectation of employment following completion of such training. This emphasizes favorable market conditions for the employment sought after training.
  4. Training approved by the Secretary is reasonably available to the worker from either public agencies or private providers, which includes access to a variety of training, variety of institutions and training outside of commuting area as necessary.
  5. The worker is qualified to undertake and complete training. The individual has the appropriate educational background and work experience and the financial resources to complete the training.
  6. Such training is appropriate for the worker and available at a reasonable cost. Reasonable cost is based on: the total cost of program, including training, related expenses, travel or transportation costs and subsistence expenses.

Some states may have other criteria in addition to those listed. Read further to learn of the specific requirements of a training program.

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4 Areas of Preferred Training

A training program may consist of a single course of a set of courses designed to meet a specific occupational goal. The following 4 types of training are preferred:

  • On-the-Job Training
  • Any program of Remedial Education- provided the worker already possesses vocational skills and needs only remedial education to obtain employment. Ordinarily, remedial education is part of a broader training program.
  • Any training program, such as remedial or occupational training, which is paid in any part by any other federal or state program but NOT any personal funds or those of friends or relatives.
  • Any training program approved by a local workforce investment board.

Employers are encouraged to consider on-the-job training which can include related institutional training so that additional skills can be learned that may not be available at a particular job.

In choosing institutional training, priority must be given to public vocational schools in the commuting area. If these schools provide effective and efficient training, they should receive preference over other alternatives. Placement and wage replacement rates should be primary considerations.

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Requirements of a Training Program

  • Training must be full-time
  • Training outside the United States will not be approved
  • State agencies will approve training for which demand in employment exists
  • Length of training is not to exceed 104 weeks
  • Training should be completed in shortest period of time possible to achieve the desired skill level
  • Self financing is prohibited
  • Training should occur during regularly scheduled times established by the training provider
  • Training of reemployed workers

Lists of Eligible Training Providers are available to help in the search for appropriate training. Your case manager will help you to obtain information on programs available in your area.