Policies and Procedures for Refrigerant Technician (Ammonia Gas) Refrigeration Mechanics

Apprenticeship Program June 27, 2018

The Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) is managing an apprenticeship program for Refrigerant Technician (Ammonia Gas), also referred to as Refrigeration Mechanic, that meets the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Standards as documented in 29 CFR 29.5. RETA is administrator for a consortium of six organizations that are program sponsors. RETA will collect and maintain all records and reporting required for apprentices, employers, instructors and others with roles in delivering services to and/or supporting participants in this apprenticeship program. RETA’s sponsoring partners in this refrigeration apprenticeship consortium are:

• Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation (ARF)

• FastPort, a DOL Industry Intermediary for Apprenticeship

• Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA)

• International Institute for Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)

• Lanier Technical College

Summary of Apprenticeship Process The consortium’s agreement with USDOL defines this program as time-based work experience and training that includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning (OJL) plus at least 432 credit hours of refrigeration-related training as defined in a Work Process Schedule and Related Instruction typically spanning a period of three years. Details are defined in Appendix A of the attachments to this document. Nine months of training and 1500 hours of OJL defines the probationary period for most apprentices. Apprentices must earn the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) credential from RETA during this probationary period to move into the next stage of apprenticeship. Apprentices may request credit for prior experience and training at the time they apply. Prior completion of CARO or CIRO credentials from RETA also can be applied to meeting these requirements. RETA evaluates these requests during the probationary period based in part on the apprentice’s job performance and training evaluations. Any credits awarded could shorten their probationary period. All apprentices must earn CARO, CIRO and Service Technician credentials from RETA to finish the program. OJL supervisor ratings, instructor evaluations during training, and documentation of skills learned in the program also qualify apprentices for progressively higher wages and fringe benefits based on their increased skill and competence on the job. Employers, supervisors, instructors and others submit reports to RETA evaluating each apprentice’s progress. RETA uses these in progress reports in USDOL’s Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information System (RAPIDS). RETA’s progress reports for each apprentice must support any claim that an apprentice has met USDOL Standards for completion of the program. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(15) and Circular 2015-02

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Milestones in the Path through Apprenticeship Apprenticeship requires participation from several partners for an apprentice to complete the program.

• An Employer must register as an apprenticeship sponsor by submitting a USDOL EMPLOYER ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT to RETA. After approval, RETA can register the employer in USDOL’s RAPIDS database.

• An Apprenticeship Candidate submits an APPRENTICESHIP REGISTRATION APPLICATION to RETA to document their eligibility, prior work experience and training. The candidate may apply after agreeing to work for a registered employer or seek help from RETA and other Consortium partners in being hired by a registered employer. Consortium partners will make every effort to match apprentices with employers if such help is needed by a candidate.

• After approval by RETA, an Apprenticeship Agreement between the apprentice and the employer must be signed by both parties and submitted to RETA, who will register the agreement in USDOL’s RAPIDS recordkeeping system.

• During apprenticeship, qualified Instructors provide training in refrigeration concepts and operations. RETA must certify that instructors are providing comparable training to all apprentices. When available, RETA-Authorized Instructors (RAIs) are preferred. Instructors must provide evaluation reports to RETA that document each apprentice’s progress in all refrigeration training.

• Journeyworker Supervisors must be designated by each employer to oversee the work of apprentices on the job. Their periodic evaluations of the performance and progress of each apprentice must be sent to RETA so that they can be included in required reports to USDOL in its RAPIDS database.

• Apprentices must earn CARO, CIRO and Service Technician credentials as benchmarks to document their mastery of refrigeration concepts and operations.

Detailed Steps in Meeting USDOL Apprenticeship Standards Employer Registration An employer registers its intent to sponsor one or more apprentices in the

Consortium’s Ammonia Refrigeration Mechanic program by submitting the USDOL EMPLOYER ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT to RETA and FASTPORT. The template for the required USDOL form appears in Appendix E. Employers may begin this process by using the link at https://www.nationalapprenticeship.org/.

The employer must adopt the Appendix A Work Process or submit an Appendix

A tailored to fit the employer’s specific needs. All RETA certification standards

apply. FASTPORT will provide technical support for individual development of

the Employer Acceptance agreement to meet these requirements as needed.

Policies and Procedures for Ammonia Gas Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship June 27, 2018 Page 3 Applicant Information about USDOL Apprenticeship Standards

Apprenticeship candidates must have access to the USDOL Standards of Apprenticeship and the Policies and Procedures for this program. This document includes all required information. It is available free on the RETA website at www.reta.com. Applicants may be referred to RETA by Consortium members, employers, or may apply directly to RETA. Consortium members and RETA will assist applicants in locating a sponsoring employer when needed. FASTPORT has created an online resource to help apprenticeship candidates find RETA program employer apprenticeship partners at https://www.nationalapprenticeship.org/.

Apprentice Registration An applicant who applies for USDOL APPRENTICESHIP REGISTRATION must

provide an application and all required supporting documents. The first step is for an applicant to send RETA a written request to enter the apprenticeship program. The following documents should be attached to the written request. These may be scanned and submitted to RETA as PDFs from RETA’s website using the apprenticeship screen at www.reta.com. A. A copy of the applicant’s driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or other

acceptable proof of age. B. A copy of the applicant’s high school diploma, GED certificate, or other

acceptable documentation of education. C. Documentation to support any requests for credit for previous experience or

training that should result in credit toward apprenticeship requirements. RETA will evaluate these claims during the probationary period. Results will be reported at the end of each apprentice’s probationary period. 29 CFR 29.5(B)(12) and 30.3(a)(1)

After an applicant identifies a sponsoring apprenticeship employer who agrees to hire the candidate, RETA or FASTPORT will tailor USDOL Form ETA 671 for that candidate and employer. The applicant submits ETA 671 to the employer, who forwards a completed copy to RETA. A template of ETA 671 is in Appendix B.

RETA Evaluates/Approves Applications and Documentation RETA reviews all required Employer and Apprenticeship documents and informs each when all USDOL requirements have been met. These requirements include all of the following documentation. A. RETA confirms that a valid apprenticeship agreement exists between the

apprentice and the employer and that the employer has agreed in writing to provide each registered apprentice with continuous employment sufficient to complete the program. 29 CFR 29.3(d), 29.3(d), 29.5(b)(11)

B. Each apprentice must affirm receipt of a copy of the Employer Acceptance Agreement, which includes the progressive wage scale that will apply for the apprentice throughout their participation in the program. 29 CFR 29.3(d), 29.3(d), 29.5(b)(11)

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C. Each employer must document each apprentice’s planned program of activities and training during the probationary period of up to nine months. RETA staff may provide assistance as needed to complete these steps. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(8) and 29.5(b)(20)

D. Each employer must document the name(s) of journeyworkers who will supervise each apprentice. Qualified supervisors must know what the apprentice is working on, are readily available to the apprentice, and assure that each apprentice has the necessary instruction and guidance to perform assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Appendix A specifies one journeyworker for each apprentice at all times. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(14) and 29 CFR 29.5(b)(7)

E. Each employer must sign an Equal Opportunity Pledge as specified in USDOL Apprenticeship Standards affirming that they will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identify), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years or older. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(21) and 30.3(c)(1)

F. Any employer with five or more registered apprentices after two years must adopt an Affirmative Action Plan. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(21), 30.4 and 30.10

RETA Documents Employer & Apprentice Records in USDOL RAPIDS

RETA will provide the USDOL Registration Agency for apprentices with all required documentation to meet USDOL Standards during the program. This must include the following information during an apprentice’s participation. A. Records of each apprentice’s education, experience and progress in learning

the occupation. B. Periodic evaluations of each apprentice’s progress in manipulative skills and

technical knowledge. C. Records of new apprentices registered, credit granted, suspensions for any

reason, reinstatements, extensions, completions and cancellations with explanations of causes.

D. Records of complaints and their resolution by RETA from apprentices or employers within 30 days after receipt of written notification of alleged violations of USDOL Apprenticeship Standards.

Policies and Procedures for Ammonia Gas Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship June 27, 2018 Page 5 RETA Documents Apprentice Progress in USDOL RAPIDS

Employers and training providers must send RETA periodic reports of each apprentice’s on-the-job learning (OJL) and related training. These progress reports must include the following benchmarks. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(5) A. Records of each apprentice’s progress in learning the occupation based on

supervisor evaluations of job performance. These records must include a record of each apprentice’s job assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, rates of pay, and other actions pertaining to the apprenticeship.

B. Each apprentice’s advances in the Apprentice Wage Progression in the USDOL Employer Acceptance Agreement based on acquisition of increased skills and competence on the job and in refrigeration-related instruction.

C. A plan for related instruction for each apprentice with progress reports for completion of training. Instructors also must send RETA reviews and evaluations of each apprentice’s performance during related training.

D. Training providers must document that instruction for apprentices is provided by RETA-Approved Instructors (RAIs) or comparably qualified instructors. USDOL specifies that RETA may require instructors to attend instructor training to meet these requirements. 29 CFR 29.5(b)(4)

Earned RETA Credentials

Each apprentice must meet the following benchmarks to advance to the next level of the apprenticeship. A. Each apprentice must pass RETA’s Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator

(CARO) during the probationary period of up to 9 months. B. Each apprentice must pass RETA’s Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator

(CIRO) after meeting the two-year experience requirement for CIRO and before moving to the third stage of apprenticeship.

C. Each apprentice must pass RETA’s service Technician examination before being certified as having completed the program.

Completion of Apprenticeship

RETA will certify and inform USDOL that an apprentice has completed all requirements to earn a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship when the following benchmarks have been documented. A. Verification in writing from the employer and supervisors that the apprentice

has met all OJL requirements. B. Verification in writing by training providers that the apprentice has met all

refrigeration-related training requirements. C. Passing scores on RETA’s CARO, CIRO and Service Technician exams.

Policies and Procedures for Ammonia Gas Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship June 27, 2018 Page 6 Additional RETA Policies and Procedures

• RETA will create agreements with training partners and instructors to assure that the curriculum specified in the USDOL agreement is provided to all apprentices.

• RETA will designate a refrigeration apprenticeship liaison for each employer and apprentice to provide a direct link to RETA for each program participant. Any consortium member may participate in these services to apprentices.

• RETA will attempt to connect each apprentice to a RETA chapter.

• RETA and consortium members will recruit and promote refrigeration apprentice opportunities to eligible candidates, employers and others who apply and can benefit from this apprenticeship.

• RETA will document financial requirements and resources that can support apprentices, qualified instructors and eligible employers. Information about these resources will be provided on RETA’s website at www.reta.com.

Resources are available to assist all apprentices who enroll in approved college

courses relevant to their training. USDOL policies also require that employers pay

each apprentice based on the level of responsibility they can perform safely and

effectively. The average starting wage is about $15.00 per hour. Raises occur as

the skills of each apprentice increase through training and on-the-job experience.

GI Bill Benefits

Veterans with GI Bill eligibility may receive additional support from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) during their time in RETA’s apprenticeship program. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a stipend that is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents, which varies as progressive wage increases from the employer occur. Many Registered Apprenticeships also receive benefits for classroom training; apprentices also can receive benefits for books and supplies. Verify details and eligibility for GI Bill benefits with the VA at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The following three links can provide veterans and employers with more information about apprenticeship opportunities that may be eligible for Post-911 GI Bill benefits.

• https://www.doleta.gov/oa/pdf/GI_Bill_FactSheet_Veterans.pdf

• https://www.dol.gov/vets/hire/index.htm

• https://www.doleta.gov/oa/docs/BenefitsVeteransRegisteredApprenticeship.pdf

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Appendix E

EMPLOYER ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

ADOPTED BY

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation (ARF)

Refrigerating Engineers Technicians Association (RETA)

International Institute for Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)

Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA)

Lanier Technical College- Technical College System of Georgia

DEVELOPED IN COOPERATION WITH THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

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APPENDIX E

EMPLOYER ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

The foregoing undersigned employer hereby subscribes to the provisions of the Apprenticeship Standards formulated and registered by The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation (ARF), Refrigerating Engineers Technicians Association (RETA), International Institute for Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and Lanier Technical College- Technical College System of Georgia. [Insert Employer Name agrees to carry out the intent and purpose of said Standards and to abide by the rules and decisions of the Program Sponsor established under these Apprenticeship Standards. We have been furnished a true copy of the Standards and have read and understood them, and do hereby request certification to train apprentices under the provisions of these Standards, with all attendant rights and benefits thereof, until cancelled voluntarily or revoked by the Program Sponsor or Registration Agency. On-the-job, the apprentice is hereby guaranteed assignment to a skilled and competent journeyworker and is guaranteed that the work assigned to the apprentice will be rotated so as to ensure training in all phases of work.

This form must be signed and returned to

James Barron, Executive Director

Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association 1725 Ferry St SW Albany, OR 97322

NO later than the first day of class for the apprenticeship to become effective.

Signature of employer: ______________________________________ Date: _________________________ Title: _________________________________________

Name of Company: __________________________________________ FEIN: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code: ________________________________________ Phone Number:______________________________________________ FAX: ___________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________

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Insert Occupation (s): _________________________ Journeyworker Wage(s): _____________________

Wage Progression (3-Year Term (sample))

1st period - (1000 hrs) - ___% 2nd period - (1000 hrs) - ___% 3rd period - (1000 hrs) - ___% 4th period - (1000 hrs) - ___% 5th period - (1000 hrs) - ___% 6th period - (1000 hrs) - ___%

Total Workforce: ________________________________________________

Total Certified Workers Employed: _______________ Female: ___________ Minority: ___________

Total Apprentices Employed: ________________ Program Probation will be: ___________________

Ratio: ______Apprentices to _________Journeyworkers

TO BE REVISED BY ALL EMPLOYERS and CUSTOMIZED

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants will meet the following minimum qualifications. These qualification standards, and the score required on any standard for admission to the applicant pool, must be directly related to job performance.

A. Age

Minimum qualifications required by the sponsor for persons entering the apprenticeship program, with an eligible starting age not less than 18 years.

B. Education A high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) equivalency or other high school equivalency credential is required. Applicant must provide an official transcript(s) for high school and any post–high school education. Applicant must submit the GED certificate or other high school equivalency credential if applicable. The submitted GED certificate or other high school equivalency must be deemed acceptable by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for enrollment in any TCSG program or school.

C. Physical

Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others.

Applicants will pass a physical screening, a medical screening, a screen for the current illegal use of drugs, and a background check upon acceptance of a conditional offer to join the program and prior to being employed.

D. Aptitude Test

As directed by the employer

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E. Others

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Reviewed and Approved by: Name of Sponsor:

Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Title: __________________________________________________