| SECTION 1. Management and the Union recognize that the training and development of employees are essential to efficient operation. Recommendations and selections will be made without regard to race, sex, marital status, age, religion, handicap or national origin. The choice of subject matter, areas for training, selection of employees, and assignment of training priorities, is a function of Management. Training will not interfere with operational requirements as determined by Management.
Training opportunities should be offered to employees within occupational or position groupings as equitably as is practicable, considering:
A. the training needs of the NWS in order to bring about more effective performance at the least possible cost;
B. the training needs of individual employees as they relate to overall NWS programs objectives (if stated); and,
C. the short and long-range occupational and program needs of the NWS.
Management agrees to post DOC/NOAA Training Announcements as they are received.
SECTION 2. The National Weather Service Training Center (NWSTC) is considered as one of the primary organizations of the Agency in the delivery of training and career development activities. The NWSTC offers several courses which have been recommended for academic credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). All NWSTC courses duly accredited by recognized accredited academic institutions will be evaluated and utilized on an equal basis with any other accredited courses when assessing a job applicant's qualifications.
SECTION 3. Management and the Union recognize the importance of training activities to furthering the agency mission through the enhancement of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and potential of employees. Self-study is a useful method of training and career development. Management will make reasonable effort to ensure that all materials required for self-study courses are made available to employees enrolled in such self-study courses.
Management agrees to give due consideration to Union recommendations concerning training for bargaining unit employees in the development of agency training plans, policies, and procedures.
Individual employee career development goals should be given consideration when Management officials make decisions regarding the mission-related training and career development activities within their field office/divisions.
SECTION 4. It is further recognized that certain training is essential for the performance of duties, in some instances for certification to perform duties, and for career advancement. Management will make every reasonable effort to provide an appropriate amount of duty time to complete mandatory training.
SECTION 5. Students attending the NWSTC or other NWS training courses longer than one week may be authorized to use their personal vehicles in accordance with government, DOC, and NOAA regulations and procedures.
SECTION 6. Each employee is responsible for applying reasonable effort, time and initiative in increasing his/her potential value through self-development and training. The parties will encourage employees to take advantage of training and educational opportunities which will add to their skills and qualifications.
SECTION 7. The employee has the responsibility to provide grades, proof of training (SF-182s), and/or college transcripts as appropriate for inclusion in his/her OPF. This applies to courses completed prior to, as well as during, employment in the Agency.
SECTION 8. The names of successful candidates for full or part time university assignments shall be provided to the President, NWSEO, on a semi-annual basis.
SECTION 9. An employee within five years of retirement eligibility may apply, through a request for training, for authorization to attend retirement planning seminars.
SECTION 10. Existing memoranda of understanding, or portions thereof, shall remain in effect if not in conflict with the Agreement and shall only be canceled by mutual consent or by a pre-established cancellation date or event.
SECTION 11. Transportation for any NWS-sponsored/controlled training is subject to the provisions of Article 8 of this agreement.
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