Narrative: b. 3.

Entities interested in applying for initial WIOA ETPL eligibility must submit a completed “Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Eligible Training Provider (ETP) Application,” available on CTDOL’s website at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wia/wioa-trngproviderapps.htm, to the workforce development board (WDB) for the area in which the applying entity’s headquarters (or, as applicable, main campus) is located (this WDB is then the “lead” board for the entity).  In addition to applying to the lead board, the entity must submit a full copy of their ETPL initial eligibility application to each WDB in which any of the applying entity’s training sites for program offerings are located.  Secondary boards review the application and advise the lead board as to whether the application is approved or not for that area.  Once the lead board and all applicable secondary boards have reached a decision to approve the application, the lead board advises CTDOL and requests a state level review (such reviews are on a rolling basis).  CTDOL then conduct a review of the entity’s status with OSHA, UI Tax, and Wage and Workplace Standards.  If approved, CTDOL will inform the lead board which will then add the provider and program(s) to the ETPL (CTHires).  If an OSHA, UI Tax or Wage matter prevents CTDOL from issuing approval, the entity will have the opportunity to resolve the issue(s).

 Following one year of initial eligibility, ETPL providers must submit an application to be considered for continued eligibility.  Prior to the expiration date of a provider’s initial eligibility, the lead WDB will notify the provider that it may apply for continued eligibility.  The lead WDB will also prepare a list of the provider’s expiring programs so the provider may include them in the “CTDOL WIOA ETP Continued Eligibility Application” that the provider must submit to the lead WDB (and any secondary boards).  The continued eligibility review process, both locally and by CTDOL, follows the same steps as described above for initial eligibility.  Upon approval of continued eligibility by CTDOL, the lead board will update CTHires to indicate continued eligibility has been approved and will enter the new, two-year expiration date in CTHires. Additional ETPL procedures and ETPL policy are detailed in CTDOL’s WIOA Policy Manual at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wia/WIOAPolicyManual.pdf. 

CT’s policy manual has been updated to reflect assessing continued eligibility which includes a process to allow for providers to offer information related to any undue burden in reporting performance information.

An application-type document is used to gather info from sponsors who want to be listed on the ETPL in order for system-required and other basic fields to be completed in the system regarding the apprenticeship and boards must verify the state’s determination as to the sponsors by checking the CTDOL Apprenticeship site for the sponsorslist.

 The following is contained within the WIOA Policy Manual:

 Apprenticeship and the ETPL

Pursuant to section 122(a)(3) of the WIOA, apprenticeship programs registered with the Connecticut Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Division are automatically eligible to be included on the ETPL.

Although registered apprenticeship programs are automatically eligible, the program will not be included on the ETPL unless the program provider notifies the Apprenticeship Division of its intention to be included on the ETPL.

The Apprenticeship Division will notify every apprenticeship program, registered as of the date of enactment of these procedures, to determine whether the program provider wants to be included on the ETPL.

New apprenticeship programs that want to be included on the ETPL shall indicate this intention on the provider section of the CTHires application.

If the program is already approved as a sponsor or related instruction provider through the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training the program will be added to the ETPL list in CTHires by the local Workforce Development Board in the region where the program/sponsor is located.

If the program is not an approved sponsor or related instruction provider they must first contact the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training to seek approval.  

Once an apprenticeship program is registered on the ETPL, the program will remain on the ETPL until the program is no longer registered with the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training or until the provider notifies the Apprenticeship Division, in writing, of the intention to be removed from the list.

Registered apprenticeship programs are not required to submit initial or continued eligibility applications under these procedures. Registered apprenticeship programs are required to comply with all laws and rules regarding apprenticeship programs and labor laws in the State of Connecticut.

Per 20 CFR 680.480(b) all approved sponsors and related instructions providers will be notified in writing or electronically bi-annually to reaffirm their request to remain on the ETPL list.

Note: Registered apprenticeship programs, which are not required to apply for the WIOA ETPL, are subject only to certain reporting requirements as set forth in TEGL 41-14, applicable regulation, or other guidance