(1) DEFINITIONS.
(a) Certificate of Occupational Skills- an industry-recognized credential issued by the Georgia Department of Education that certifies that a student has mastered skills at levels recognized by industry.
(b) School-based learning- academic and occupational objectives directly linked to skill standards contained in a program of study that leads to a diploma and Certificate of Occupational Skills.
(c) Skill standards- academic and occupational standards validated by industry that prepared students for employment in a broad occupational cluster or an industry sector.
(d) Work-based learning- work-site performance objectives linked directly to skill standards.
(e) Work-based mentor- an employee or individual approved by the employer and school who possesses the skills and knowledge that the student must master and whose responsibilities are to instruct the apprentice, evaluate his or her performance and work in consultation with the youth apprenticeship coordinator.
(f) Youth apprenticeship- a program of study that integrates school-based and work-based learning coordinated with business, industry and labor that facilitates the transition from secondary to postsecondary education by providing the apprentice the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, postsecondary credential/diploma and certificate of occupational skills.
(2) REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Each local board of education or apprenticeship consortium receiving grant funds for a Youth Apprenticeship Program shall have a full-time youth apprenticeship coordinator who shall participate in training provided by the Georgia Department of Education.
(b) Each Youth Apprenticeship Program site shall be approved by the department.
(c) Each local board of education or apprenticeship consortium receiving grant funds for a Youth Apprenticeship Program shall provide each apprentice with
1. A detailed training plan that is jointly developed by the school, business/industry, student and parent. This plan shall specify the skill standards to be mastered in the work environment and the progression of skills the apprentice must acquire before earning a Certificate of Occupational Skills. This plan shall also specify the criteria to be used to evaluate apprentice performance.
2. An individual career plan that provides articulated school-based and work-based components that lead to a postsecondary credential/diploma and Certificate of Occupational Skills.
3. A detailed plan for the integration of school-based and work-based learning linked to skill standards.
4. Assigned work-based and school-based mentors.
5. Work-based instruction that links to skill standards to all aspects of the occupational industry.
6. Progressive compensation linked to demonstrated progressive skill development.
(d) Grant applications will be evaluated by a review team, and grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to local boards of education or apprenticeship consortia that meet the criteria identified in the grant application.
1. Competitive grant applications must be submitted to the department no later than May each year.
2. Grant applications must identify occupational cluster(s), postsecondary partner(s) and industry/business sponsor(s).
3. Grant applications must address apprentice criteria cited in paragraph (2)(c).