PUT IT WHERE IT COUNTS” AGENCY FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION Trade Adjustment Assistance Training “ PUT IT WHERE IT COUNTS” Presented by Mershal Noble

TAA Program History Trade Act of 1974 – Amendments 1988,1993, 1998, 2002 USDOL issues certification - Eligibility for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) North America Free Trade Agreement/ Transitional Adjustment Assistance (NAFTA/TAA). Petitions filed for NAFTA required the SWA to do a preliminary investigation. Trade Act of 2002 – Repealed NAFTA and provided for additional benefits to trade- affected workers.

TAA Program Benefits The TAA Program is a training component and only provides for the following: Training (TAA) Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) Job Search Allowances Relocation Allowances Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) Health Coverage Tax Credit

TAA Eligibility Determination – One Stop Staff Review Workers laid-off as a result of increase imports or a shift in production Petition filing has been certified approved The affected worker was separated from the trade-affected company due to permanent lay-off

TAA Eligibility Determination One Stop Staff Review The affected worker’s last day with trade affected company is through the official termination date The trade-affected employer identifies the affected workers covered under the approved petition

TAA Services Rapid Response Assistance Reemployment Services Job Search Allowances Relocation Allowances Training Income Support – Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)

TAA Services Training Waivers under TAA Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)

TAA Performance Principles 1. Assess each worker’s skills and abilities 2. Develop an individualized service strategy 3. Co-enroll with other One-Stop Programs 4. Work with staff at all levels to achieve common goals 5. Provide effective placement services 6. Get workers jobs quickly

TAA Performance Principles 7. Get workers jobs that last 8. Get workers jobs that pay 9. Report outcomes accurately and timely 10. Know and achieve national performance goals

Integration of the Workforce Investment System Service Strategy Coordinate with WIA is a high priority for ETA Trade-affected participants are “dislocated workers under WIA Trade Act of 2002 requires for Rapid Response to be made available to workers Early intervention is a key principle to return affected workers to the workforce

Integration of the Workforce Investment System Service Strategy Trade Act of 2002 requires closer coordination with WIA services Trade-affected workers depend on placement services delivered by One-Stop partners to obtain reemployment

Determining Eligibility – TAA Coordinator Verify separation date from trade-affected employer and reason for separation Verify petition number affected worker is covered Establish 8/16 week enroll in training deadline Verify that the trade-affected worker has filed for regular unemployment insurance.

Determining Eligibility - TAA Coordinator Initial assessment Review TAA Bona fide Application (WIA Intake Application) Comprehensive assessment through WIA (assisted core and intensive services) Apply TAA six program criteria Select Training Program within a demand occupation

Determining Eligibility - TAA Coordinator Select Training Provider from Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) Determine the length of time to complete the training program Identify prerequisites that are required for the training program Determine the total cost of training to be completed (tuition, fees, books, supplies etc.)

Determining Eligibility - TAA Coordinator Verify the date the individual will be allowed to participate in training Ensure your approval date (enrollment in the TAA program) is within 30 days of the participation in training date, if appropriate

TAA Training Approval Criteria 1.There is no suitable employment available to the worker 2.The worker would benefit from training 3.There is a reasonable expectation of employment following completion 4. Training is reasonably available to the worker

TAA Training Approval Criteria 5.The worker is qualified to undertake and complete the training 6.Training is suitable and available at a reasonable cost. Note: There is no entitlement to receive training. All six (6) criteria must be met before training is approved.

Waiver of Training Requirement It may be necessary to issue a Waiver of Training Requirement if training has not been approved. Note: If applicable, a waiver must be issued prior to the worker’s participation in training and the enrolled in training date.

Waiver of Training Requirement An adversely affected worker may be granted a waiver of training requirement for the following reason(s): 1.Enrollment Unavailable 2.Training Unavailable 3.Recall 4.Marketable Skills

Waiver of Training Requirement 5.Retirement 6.Health Note: A waiver can be issued for six months or longer. The waiver must be reviewed every 30 days to determine if the condition for issuing the waiver is still valid.

Waiver of Training Requirement Additionally, issuing a waiver for an extended period of time can prevent an individual from receiving additional TRA benefits when looking at the 210 day deadline.

TAA Training Program Requirements Must be in training on a full-time basis Approved training can include remedial education with occupation skills training following Remedial education cannot be approved as a stand alone. If approved, occupation skills training must be included in the Training Plan. Note: Issued in a recent TEGL, Remedial ESOL can be approved as a stand alone as long as the affected worker has marketable skills.

TAA Training Program Requirements Participation in an approved training program cannot exceed 104 weeks or 130 weeks if remedial education is required. Training Vendors must be selected from the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Occupation skills training must be identified on the demand occupation list.

TAA Training Program Requirements Multiple funding sources can be used for training i.e., (TAA funds, WIA local funds (DW), Pell Grant. Note: TAA participants are prohibited from paying any portion of their approved training cost not funded through the above funding sources.

TAA Training Program Requirements There is no time limit affecting approval for enrollment in training for TAA Paid Training. However, the worker’s eligibility for TRA benefits will be affected if not enrolled in an approved training program by the 8/16 week enrolled in training deadline.

TAA Training Program Requirements Florida may apply 45 days for extenuating circumstances to the enrolled in training date. Allow for approved scheduled training breaks not to exceed 30 days. Note: Scheduled training breaks do not include weekends, but take in account normal school days and run consecutive for each identified break published by the training institution.

TAA Training Program Requirements Participants can be disqualified, if training cease without justifiable cause, refuses to accept, continue or fails to make satisfactory progress in approved training.

Trade Readjustment Assistance Regular Unemployment Benefits 26 weeks Basic TRA Benefits 26 weeks Additional TRA Benefits 52 weeks Remedial TRA 26 weeks

Trade Readjustment Assistance Eligible trade-affected workers may qualify for up to 104 weeks of income support while in approved training or 130 weeks, if approved for remedial education. Note: If remedial education is approved, under the TAA program, it is considered approved training with occupational skills training to run concurrent or immediately following the completion of remedial training.

Required Documents – Program Enrollment 1.Wagner Peyser Job Seeker Registration 2.WIA Intake Application (Contact Details, Demographics and Program Details 3.Individual Service Strategy/Career Plan 4.Voucher

Required Documents – Program Enrollment 5.Applicant Acknowledge Form 6.Request By Workers For Training Approval Allowance While in Training (ETA 858) 7.Discrimination Complaint Procedures Form

Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) What is ATAA? A component under the Trade Act of 2002 that provides a wage subsidy to older workers who become reemployed with 26 weeks from the trade-affected company.

Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) Eligibility Criteria 1.At least age 50 at the time of reemployment 2.Obtain reemployment by the last day of the 26 th week after the worker’s qualifying separation from the trade-affected employer.

Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) 3.Current reemployment wages must be less than those earned from the trade-affected employer. 4. Must not be expected to earn more than $50,000 annually in gross wages (excluding overtime pay) from the current reemployment.

Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) 5.Employed full-time as defined by state law 6.Cannot return to work for the trade-affected employer from which the worker separated 7.Must establish a valid Florida unemployment compensation claim Note: In order for affected workers to qualify for this benefit, the petition must be approved for ATAA and the worker must meet the criteria above.

OSMIS Data Entry Instructions The One Stop Management Information System is used to track participant information. Through this state management information system, we are able to report to the USDOL information required for each individual program (WP, WIA and TAA).

OSMIS Data Entry Instructions Information entered in OSMIS should mirror documentation in your manual file. This will allow for successful data validation of records and monitoring of a participant’s file.

OSMIS Data Entry Instructions It is imperative that information entered in OSMIS for TAA participants reflect actual time participating in training with enrolled in training date, actual training start date, actual training end date, document when approved breaks have occurred in the case notes, ensure partner programs are displayed in the participant’s record for WP, WIA, TAA etc. and proper funding sources are used for assisted core, intensive and training activities.

OSMIS Data Entry Instructions It is encouraged that for an assigned training activity for TAA participants, you use TAA funds. If funds are not available, you can request for supplemental funds.

OSMIS Data Entry Procedures PUT IT WHERE IT COUNTS!!!!!

Job Search Allowances A job search allowance may be granted to an adversely affected worker who meets all eligibility requirements to assist the worker in securing a job outside of the commuting area, but within the United States.

Job Search Allowances Criteria A worker may receive approval if the following conditions are met: 1.The worker is covered under a certified petition. 2.The worker has been totally separated from trade-affected company through the official termination identified by the employer.

Job Search Allowances Criteria 3.The worker has an active job seeker registration on file through the One Stop Center (Wagner Peyser). 4.The worker has a TAA bona fide application in OSMIS (WIA Intake Application). 5.The worker has no reasonable expectations of securing employment within the commuting distance.

Job Search Allowances Criteria 6.The worker must provide documentation of actual date of interview, time, position title. There must be an existing job opening for which the worker is being interviewed. Information must be confirmed with the employer by the One Stop Center staff. 7.Job Search Application must be filed prior to interview.

Job Search Allowances Criteria 8.An application must be filed by the 365 th day after the date of the certification in which the worker is covered or the 365 th day after the date the worker’s last total separation, whichever is later or 9.The 182 nd day after the concluding date of the approved training

Job Search Allowance Forms Request for Job Search Allowance (MA-861) signed, dated and completed prior to interview Certification of Suitable Employment (MA-861A) completed by One Stop Center staff and must include receipts with amounts expended including daily mileage for the job search

Job Search Reimbursable Amount Job Search Allowance 90 percent of the total allowable costs of transportation, lodging, and meals The total Job Search Allowance must not exceed $1,250 regardless of the number of job searches

Job Search Reimbursable Amount Travel: Cost will not exceed the lesser of (1) the actual round trip cost by reasonable public transportation or (2) cost per mile at the prevailing federal mileage rate from the worker’s residence to the area of job search and return to residence (round trip)

Job Search Reimbursable Amount Lodging and Meals: Cost allowable for lodging and meals will not exceed the lesser of (1) actual cost to the worker of lodging and meals while engaged in the job search or (2) 50 percent of the prevailing federal per diem allowance rate for the locality in which the job search is conducted.

Relocation Allowances A relocation allowance may be granted to an adversely affected worker who meets all eligible requirements to assist the worker in securing a job outside of the commuting area, but within the United States.

Relocation Allowances Criteria A worker may be approved for a relocation allowance if the following conditions are met: 1.The worker is covered under a certified petition. 2.The worker is totally separated from adversely affected employment at the time relocation commences.

Relocation Allowances Criteria 3.The worker must have an active job seeker registration on file at the One-Stop Center. 4.The One-Stop Center must determine that the worker has no reasonable expectation of securing suitable employment in the commuting area.

Relocation Allowances Criteria 5.The worker has obtained suitable employment of long-term duration, or a bona fide offer of such in the area of intended relocation. 6.6The worker must file a timely application (AWI ETA 860), which is defined as the 425 th day after the date of certification or 425 th day after the date of the worker’s last total separation.

Relocation Allowances Criteria 7.The local TAA Coordinator will review the application for accuracy and completeness. 8.Relocation of the worker must occur within 182 days from the date of application for the worker to receive relocation allowance.

Relocation Allowances Criteria 9.A relocation allowance will not be granted to more than one member of a family. 10.A relocation allowance may be granted to a worker only once under a certification.

Relocation Allowances Allowable Costs The amount of a relocation allowance consists of (1) a lump sum payment equivalent to three times the worker’s average weekly wave that the individual was making from the laid off company not to exceed $1,250; and (2) 90 percent of the total allowable costs for transportation, lodging, meals, moving and if necessary, temporary storage.

Common Measures What does common measures mean? The ability to describe in a similar manner the core purposes of the workforce system—how many people served, found jobs; kept their jobs; and what were their earnings. It measures performance for each individual program and is designed in partnership with other federal employment and training agencies.

Common Measures What are the common measures for the TAA Program? Entered Employment Rate Employment Retention Rate Earnings Increase (PY 2005) Average Earnings (July 1, 2006)

Common Measures Entered Employment Rate Definition: For those not employed at participation, the percentage employed in the 1 st quarter after exit. Calculation: Of those not employed at participation Number employed in the 1 st quarter after exit Number who exit during the quarter

Common Measures Employment Retention Rate Definition: For those employed in the 1 st quarter after exit, the percentage employed in the 2 nd and 3 rd quarter after exit. Calculation: Of those employed in the 1 st quarter after exit Number employed in the 2 nd and 3 rd quarter after exit Number who exit during the quarter

Common Measures Average Earnings (PY 2006) Definition: For those employed in the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd quarter after exit, average six month earnings in the 2 nd and 3 rd quarter after exit Calculation: Of those employed in the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd quarters after exit Earnings from the 2 nd and 3 rd quarter after exit Number who exit during the quarter

Common Measures Note: Earnings Change (PY 2005) Definition: For those employed in the 1 st quarter after exit, the average change between pre- and post-program earnings using the 2 nd and 3 rd quarters prior to and after participation Calculation: If those employed in the 1 st quarter after exit Total earnings in 2 nd and 3 rd quarters after exit minus Total earnings in 2 nd and 3 rd quarters prior to participation Number who exit during the quarter

Performance and Program Reporting The TAA Program is responsible for reporting information to the USDOL for participants who are covered under a TAA petition and receiving workforce services. Specifically, services for reporting purposes relate to training. There are 58 data elements required to be reported to USDOL in the Trade Act Participant Report (TAPR).

Performance and Program Reporting Performance Goals (National) PY 2005 Wage Replacement 80% Reemployment Rate70% Retention Rate89%

Performance and Program Reporting Performance Goals (State of Florida) Entered Employment Rate59% Retained Employment87% Wage Replacement71%

Data Validation There are 17 data elements identified for the TAA Program: 1.Veteran Status 2.Dislocation Date 3.Application Date 4.Petition Number 5.Date Entered Training 6.Date completed or withdrew from training

Data Validation 7.Training completed 8.Trade Readjustment Allowance 9.Waiver from training requirement 10.Date of exit 11.Employment in first full quarter after exit

Data Validation 12.Employed in third full quarter after exit 13.Three quarters prior to most recent qualifying separation 14.Two quarters prior to most recent qualifying separations 15.First quarter following exit 16.Second quarter following exit 17.Third quarter following exit

Data Validation Error Rate Veteran Status50.0% Dislocation Date33.5% Application Date40.5% Training End Date65.8% Training Completed59.0% Exit Date80.2% Note: The next Data Validation review period (July 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005)

Monitoring The TAA Program will be monitoring participant records to ensure One-Stop Career Centers and partners are in compliance with federal regulations and state guidance. Note: The next Monitoring review period (July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006)

Related Websites htmlhttp:// 0.html -Federal HCTC Program

Contact Information Mershal Noble – State TAA Coordinator (850) – Work # (850) – Fax # Address: Jim Everington – State TRA Coordinator (850) – Work # (850) – Fax # Address: Tammy Brennan – TRA Unit (850) – Work # (850) – Fax # Address: