Section 3122 of the NDAA Conference Report provides information of the National Laboratory Jobs Access Program. This provision gives details about the “Department of Energy National Lab Jobs ACCESS Program,” where the Secretary may award 5-year grants to eligible entities for
the Federal share of the costs of pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs.
The pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs are initiatives that accomplish and fulfill the following:
1. Leads to recognized postsecondary credentials for secondary school and post-secondary students;
2. Focuses on skills and qualifications needed, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the directors of the National Laboratories, to meet immediate, ongoing needs of traditional and emerging technician positions at the National Laboratories and covered facilities of the NNSA;
3. Is established in consultation with a National Laboratory or covered facility of the NNSA;
4. Is registered with and approved by the Secretary of Labor or a State apprenticeship agency;
5. Ensures that participants in the pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program do not displace paid employees
The section also includes a description and information of a “workforce intermediary.” This term is defined as “a nonprofit organization that (1) proactively addresses workforce needs, considering the needs of both employees and employers, (2) has partnered with a sponsor, or is a sponsor, of a pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program, and (3) may include a community organization, an employer
organization, a community college, a temporary staffing agency, a State workforce development board, a local workforce development board, or a labor or labor management organization.”
Overall, Section 3122 outlines a model to improve workforce options through education and community.
