Subdivision 1. Duties; goal. The commissioner of labor and industry shall convene industry representatives, identify occupational competency standards, and provide technical assistance to develop dual-training programs. The competency standards shall be identified for employment in occupations in advanced manufacturing, health care services, information technology, and agriculture. Competency standards are not rules and are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and the provisions in section 14.386 concerning exempt rules do not apply.
Subd. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:
(1) "competency standards" means the specific knowledge and skills necessary for a particular occupation; and
(2) "dual-training program" means an employment-based earn-as-you-learn program where the trainee is employed by a participating employer and receives structured on-the-job training and technical instruction in accordance with the competency standards.
Subd. 3. Competency standards identification process. In identifying competency standards, the commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education and the commissioner of employment and economic development and convene recognized industry experts, representative employers, higher education institutions, representatives of the disabled community, and representatives of labor to assist in identifying credible competency standards. Competency standards must be consistent with, to the extent available and practical, recognized international and national standards.
Subd. 4. Duties. The commissioner shall:
(1) convene industry representatives to identify, develop, and implement dual-training programs;
(2) identify competency standards for entry-level and higher skill levels;
(3) verify the competency standards and skill levels and their transferability by subject matter expert representatives of each respective industry;
(4) develop models for Minnesota educational institutions to engage in providing education and training to meet the competency standards established;
(5) encourage participation by employers and labor in the competency standard identification process for occupations in their industry;
(6) align dual-training programs with other workforce initiatives; and
(7) provide technical assistance to develop dual-training programs.
Subd. 5. Notification. The commissioner must communicate identified competency standards to the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education for the purpose of the dual-training competency grant program under section 136A.246. The commissioner of labor and industry shall maintain the competency standards on the department's website.
2015 c 69 art 3 s 18; 2016 c 86 s 2; 2017 c 94 art 2 s 1
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 175 - 186 — Labor, Industry
Chapter 175 — Department Of Labor And Industry
Section 175.001 — Department Of Labor And Industry.
Section 175.007 — Advisory Council On Workers' Compensation; Creation.
Section 175.10 — Sessions To Be Public.
Section 175.11 — Seal; Certified Copies.
Section 175.17 — Powers And Duties, Commissioner Of Department Of Labor And Industry.
Section 175.171 — Powers And Duties, Department Of Labor And Industry.
Section 175.24 — Duties Of Employers And Others To Make Reports; Preservation Of Records.
Section 175.25 — Persons Aggrieved; Powers Of District Court.
Section 175.33 — Physicians To Report Certain Cases Of Poison To The Department.
Section 175.37 — Cooperation With U.s.