39-11-302. (Temporary) Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Credential" means a recognized:

(a) educational diploma;

(b) certificate or degree;

(c) occupational license;

(d) apprenticeship certificate;

(e) industry-recognized certification; or

(f) award for skills attainment and completion, issued by an approved training provider in the state or by a third-party credential provider recognized in rule by the department.

(2) "Department" means the department of labor and industry provided for in Title 2, chapter 15, part 17.

(3) "Family-sustaining wage" means a wage greater than the state's average weekly wage, as defined in 39-71-116, or greater than the current average weekly wage of the county in which the employees are to be principally employed, as provided in 39-11-202.

(4) "High-demand occupation" means an occupation that:

(a) has a significant presence within target industries;

(b) is in demand by employers in the state;

(c) involves trades or professions with identifiable skills; and

(d) pays or leads to payment of a family-sustaining wage.

(5) "Identifiable skill" means the attainment of proficiency in a specific work-related skill that is likely to lead to future job advancement and improvement in the individual's earning potential.

(6) "Job-readiness assistance" means training or support to overcome individual barriers to finding a job or maintaining a job in the form of:

(a) skills development provided by an approved training provider, including but not limited to occupational skills development, preparing for an examination or other requirements to document equivalency of completion of a secondary education, literacy advancement, financial stability coaching and services, and credit counseling; and

(b) support for transportation and child care.

(7) "Program" or "Montana EARN program" means the Montana employment advancement right now program.

(8) "Strategic industry partnership" means a collaboration that brings together a regional group as described in 39-11-304 of participants involved in planning and implementing the program objectives listed in 39-11-303.

(9) "Target industry" means a group of employers closely linked by a common product or service, workforce skills, similar technologies, supply chains, or other economic ties.

(10) "Target population" means more than one individual identified by a strategic industry partnership as being able to benefit from job-readiness assistance and obtain identifiable skills important for a high-demand occupation. (Terminates June 30, 2021--sec. 12, Ch. 366, L. 2019.)