US Labor Department announces final rule expanding occupational skills training available to YouthBuild participants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued a final rule implementing the YouthBuild Transfer Act of 2006, which establishes the program within the Labor Department.

The final rule incorporates comments received by the public throughout the comment period. Notable changes include expanding the occupational skills training available to YouthBuild participants to non-construction industries, including health care, information technology and other high demand industries. The rule also clarifies how students will allocate their time among education courses, occupation skills training, and leadership and/or community activities. In addition, the rule provides greater detail on allowable costs for construction materials and clarifies Davis-Bacon wage rules as they pertain to YouthBuild.

"For decades, Youthbuild has played a valuable role in helping thousands of young people earn an education, learn crucial job skills and improve their communities," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "Expanding this tested program to include training for high growth industries will only strengthen the American workforce and our competitiveness around the world."

YouthBuild is a highly successful alternative education program that assists youth who are often significantly behind in basic skills with obtaining a high school diploma or GED credential. The primary target populations for YouthBuild are adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care and out-of-school youth. The YouthBuild program is aligned with the Interagency Youth Vision and demand-driven investments supported by Workforce Investment Act formula funds.

The final rule has an effective date of 60 days after publication in the Federal Register and can be viewed at http://s.dol.gov/N6.