Career, Technology, Education & Workforce Development Grants

To meet the increasing demand of employers for career readiness in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields, the availability of workforce development grants funded by private organizations, local, state or federal agencies is increasing. These grants offer resources to promote career readiness through real-world skills and preparing students for high demand occupations.

Whether it’s a mobile lab designed to be transported to various locations to promote a specific skill/trade, or a permanent location equipped with industry specific equipment; proper planning and establishing risk reduction strategies are essential. Regardless of the mode, each may present potential exposures individually as well as common risks.

Mobile Lab Risks:

• Transporting the mobile lab to the site – Who is responsible for transporting, selecting site location, set-up and verification inspection prior to allowing access by students?
• Utility service to the mobile lab – How is electrical service provided to the mobile lab? Is it independent or supplied via connection to the site host’s electrical grid. Has a licensed electrician performed all temporary electrical service connections?
• Security measures – Are steps taken to reduce vandalism when the mobile lab is unoccupied? Is it located away from vehicle traffic to minimize injury to pedestrians accessing the mobile lab?

Fixed Site Location Risks:

• Transportation of students – Who is providing transportation to/from the location? Is transportation provided by the school entity, a contractor or is it the students’ responsibility?
• Program ownership – Is this part of a school entity, a separate entity/organization and who oversees/manages the operations?
• Facility location – Who owns the building? Is a formal lease signed and, if so who is responsible for the lease?
• Program employees – Who employs the instructors? Are the instructors independent contractors?

Common Risks:

• Age dependent – Child labor laws may limit select instructional fields if the task(s) expose minors to hazardous energy sources or operation of equipment/vehicles.
• Instructor to student ratio – What is the maximum number of students to instructors permitted and what is the minimum number of instructors required to be present?
• Program guidelines and participant qualifications – Is there a minimum age for participants? Is it program-specific? Is an informational meeting for prospective parents/guardians completed, and is parental/guardian consent obtained?
• Formal contract outlining each party’s roles/responsibilities – Has the school board reviewed and approved as a sanctioned activity and, if necessary, certificates of insurance obtained?
• Legal counsel review – Has your school’s legal counsel been consulted to review all agreements/policies and provided input prior to approval?
• Coverage confirmed – Have you consulted with your licensed insurance broker to verify insurance policy coverage/exclusions prior to accepting the grant and allocating funds?
• Safety training and enforcement – Who is responsible for providing the necessary safety training, enforcement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety practices to participants?
• Instructors certified by your state department of education – Does the curriculum conform to your state’s department of education guidelines for the field of study? Are instructors school employees or contractors, and are all instructors working with students subjected to background checks/clearances?
• Are products being sold – Is there product liability? Who is responsible for quality assurance/control?

While there may be more questions than answers posed above, addressing these questions will allow you to implement targeted risk control strategies specific to the individual exposures involved with your program. Prior to forging ahead with a workforce development grant, it would be recommended to consult with all applicable stakeholders, which may include school administration and legal counsel, licensed insurance broker representatives and your carrier’s risk control department. The intent is to transfer risk and reduce liability when feasible while offering a valuable resource for your community and employers.

For more risk control safety tips visit our Risk Control resources page.