53-2-1217. Incumbent worker training program criteria for applicants. (1) An employer applying for an incumbent worker training program grant must:

(a) have been in business in this state for a minimum of 1 year; and

(b) have a need for training incumbent workers.

(2) An employer may apply for an incumbent worker training program grant. The employer shall agree to the following conditions as a condition of receiving the grant:

(a) The employer shall purchase, through an eligible training provider, certified education or skills-based training for incumbent workers in existing jobs.

(b) (i) The employer shall contribute to the cost of the training. Except for out-of-state travel and lodging expenses as provided in subsection (2)(b)(iii), the employer may make in-kind contributions by paying wages to the worker who is being trained, pursuant to rule, when the worker is undergoing training and when engaged in necessary travel related to that training.

(ii) The employer shall pay at least 20% of the cost of the training purchased by the employer.

(iii) The employer shall pay at least 20% of approved transportation costs and lodging expenses incurred when the training is provided within Montana. The employer shall pay at least 50% of the approved transportation costs and lodging expenses incurred when the training is provided outside of Montana.

(c) The employer shall provide evidence to the department that training was completed.

(3) An incumbent worker training program grant application must contain at a minimum:

(a) information that provides an adequate understanding of the applicant's business and the training objective;

(b) a description of the eligible training provider's proposed curriculum, resources, methods, and duration of training;

(c) a list of incumbent workers to be trained and their current job descriptions and base wage rates plus the expected wage rates after training; and

(d) any other information required by rule by the department that is similar to information required for other employment-related grants.