26 M.R.S. §2023: Department duties

Notwithstanding subchapters I and II, the department shall encourage pursuit of nontraditional occupations by:

1. Support services. Providing necessary support services to participants, including but not limited to:

A. Payment for dependent care costs, as long as those costs do not exceed the prevailing regional rate for that care;

B. Training materials such as books, tools and uniforms; and

C. Travel payments according to the policies established by the service providers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;

2. Orientation program. Ensuring that the applicable orientation program includes nontraditional occupations and a means of assessing interest in nontraditional occupations;

3. Ongoing support systems. Working with community organizations to develop ongoing support systems for participants who receive training in nontraditional occupations;

4. Staff training. Training staff on nontraditional occupations issues including differences in the economic status of men and women; the social, personal and economic barriers encountered in training and job placement and on the job by individuals pursuing nontraditional occupations; methods for recruiting individuals for nontraditional occupations; and the need for continuing support for individuals in nontraditional occupations; and

5. Rulemaking. Making rules in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act as necessary to establish procedures implementing this subchapter.