Definitions

In this Act: (1) American workforce contract The term American workforce contract means a contract approved by the Director, and entered into by an employer and a prospective trainee under section 4(b)(6). (2) American workforce program The term American workforce program means a program established under section 4(a) that provides, for each participating trainee, a paid, full-time position in which the trainee is engaged in— (A) structured on-the-job work, as specified by the American workforce contract involved; and (B) educational workforce training described in section 4(f), as specified by the American workforce contract. (3) Competency-based credential The term competency-based credential means a credential awarded on the basis of a performance-based test that— (A) is taken to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and abilities essential to the industry or occupation; and (B) does not place restrictions on how, when, or where the test taker studied and acquired the knowledge and abilities. (4) Director The term Director means the Director of the American Workforce Division, appointed under section 3(b). (5) Employer The term employer means a for-profit employer, as defined in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203), other than a public agency, as defined in that section. (6) Prospective trainee The term prospective trainee means an individual who— (A) applies to an employer to enter into an American workforce contract; and (B) on the date of application, meets the requirements of paragraph (8)(A). (7) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce. (8) Trainee The term trainee means any individual who— (A) on the date of application to an employer to enter into an American workforce contract— (i) is a United States citizen; (ii) has a high school diploma or its generally recognized equivalent; and (iii) has not earned a bachelor’s or higher degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree; and (B) entered into an American workforce contract, which is still in effect, with the employer. (9) Workforce project The term workforce project means a project carried out under an American workforce contract as part of the American workforce program.