Minnesota Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) reviews training applications against six eligibility criteria for approvals as listed in CFR 618.610. TAA requires that trade-affected workers explore, identify, and secure training that returns the worker to employment as soon as possible.
Criterion 1. There is no suitable employment available for the trade-affected worker.
Criterion 2. The trade-affected worker would benefit from appropriate training.
Criterion 3. There is a reasonable expectation of employment following completion of training.
Criterion 4. Training is reasonably available to the trade-affected worker.
Criterion 5. The trade-affected worker is qualified to undertake and complete such training.
Criterion 6. Training is suitable for the trade-affected worker and available at a reasonable cost.
Workers should do a comprehensive comparison of all available school programs for the training they seek with a focus on the following, in this order:
Shortest training completion (Criterion 6)
Trade-affected workers should seek the soonest available training and training that results in the soonest training end date.
Available at a reasonable cost (Criterion 4 and 6)
Trade-affected workers should select training that is available at a reasonable cost in comparison to other similar training programs.
- A higher cost training may be considered if the completion date of training is sooner than other programs at a lower cost.
- The cost comparison should include the total cost of participation which may include supplemental assistance (travel outside the local commuting area).
- A higher cost training may be considered over other appropriate training if the likelihood of employment, employment retention, or greater earnings can be earned. The trade-affected worker must provide justification to support this.
- The requested training should not be of an extraordinarily high skill level for which the total costs of the training are substantially higher than the costs of other training which is suitable for the worker.
Is within the local commuting area? (Criterion 4)
Trade-affected workers should select training that is within the local commuting area (as determined by Minnesota TAA) unless the training can be completed in a sooner timeframe or is available at a lower cost than local training.
- Training at institutions outside the trade-affected worker's local commuting area requiring supplemental assistance (travel reimbursement) payments that add substantially to the total cost of the training may not be approved if appropriate training is available within the trade-affected worker's local commuting area.
Training Institution Selection
All training applications are evaluated by three criteria: the soonest completion date, reasonableness of cost, and location. These criteria are then compared to other similar training programs or training institutions. TAA may research available training programs and require additional explanation if appropriate training is identified.
Entrepreneurial Training
While a trade-affected worker's employment goal may be self-employment, TAA does not consider a training program consisting of only entrepreneurial training as an approvable training program. Occupational training is a required component.
Overseas Training/Study Abroad Opportunities
Per 20 CFR 618.615(e) overseas training/study abroad opportunities are not permissible during any part of TAA training even if the trade-affected worker self-funds the training. This includes any J-Term, May-term, or similar sessions. Both the training provider and the trade-affected worker must be located within the United States and all aspects of the training must take place in the United States.