Article 23
Training and Development

Section 23.01

Job related training and development of employees is a matter of significant importance to fulfilling the mission of the Department. Appropriate training and career development of employees, as determined necessary by the Employer and as funds permit, will continue to be provided insofar as they foster effective and efficient operations. Employees are encouraged to discuss any training they feel is appropriate with their immediate supervisors. The DOE Headquarters Training Office is available to advise employees and their supervisors regarding available bargaining unit training courses.

Section 23.02

The DOE Headquarters Training Office maintains current lists of all available Government and non-Government training opportunities (for example, educational programs provided by the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Agriculture). A list of available training opportunities will continue to be distributed annually throughout DOE Headquarters. Each NTEU steward will be provided a current copy of this list. Employees are encouraged to review these lists and apply for training opportunities they feel will aid in their self-development.

Section 23.03

Employee requests to attend training courses at DOE Headquarters facilities during duty hours will be considered and approved in accordance with applicable regulations. Employees may obtain copies of these regulations from their servicing personnel operations branch.

Section 23.04

Employees who have obtained necessary approval from the Employer for training courses outside DOE Headquarters facilities, will be reimbursed authorized expenses in accordance with applicable regulations. Employees may obtain copies of these regulations from the DOE Headquarters Training Office.

Section 23.05

Employees who take preparatory courses which are approved by their supervisors for job-related professional certification or licensing will be reimbursed for any related expenses subject to the availability of funds.

Section 23.06

When training is required for promotion, selection for the training must be made in accordance with the competitive procedures outlined in Article 19, Merit Promotion, and the DOE Headquarters merit promotion plan.

Section 23.07

A. Opportunities for participation in training courses will be equitably distributed among eligible employees. Generally, when the Employer is unable to accommodate all applicants for available training courses approved or established by the Employer, and financed in whole or in part by the Employer, available slots will be prioritized according to the annual individual skills needs assessment. Exceptions to this rule will be discussed with NTEU (these may include but are not limited to such training as that required under Performance Improvement Plans or to accommodate a qualified handicapped employee, or as part of rotational internship programs or needed training in new and developing technologies).

B. Each employee will receive a copy of the written annual skills needs assessments performed by his/her supervisor, during their performance appraisal discussion.

C. Applications not accommodated will be given priority consideration if/when the same course is repeated.

Section 23.08

Employees who are, under applicable law or regulation, required to attend continuing education courses in order to maintain certification or license to practice shall be reimbursed for the cost of such courses if:

A. the courses are directly related to the performance by the employees of their official government duties; and

B. the courses meet the other specifications enumerated in of the Government Employees Training Act.

C. training funds for such course work are available.

Section 23.09

The Employer will distribute schedules and detailed descriptions of upcoming training opportunities to all employees on a quarterly basis and well in advance of the scheduled training. The Employer agrees to provide for job-related training and career development programs which make mentoring and developmental details or training assignments available to Headquarters employees.

Section 23.10

The Employer will offer a Learning Resource Center in the Germantown facility as well as that in the Forrestal Building.