ARTICLE 16 - Training and Career Development

SECTION 1. Training is vital to the accomplishment of the mission of AOC and to the career development of AOC employees.

A. The parties agree to establish a Joint Training Committee (Committee) to consider programs, policies, and strategies designed to aid employees in enhancing their current job skills and to provide opportunities for upward and lateral career mobility.

B. The Committee shall consist of four members, two appointed by the Union and two appointed by Management.  The Committee shall meet at mutually agreed to times and intervals throughout the year.

C. The Committee shall investigate training and career development opportunities, arrange for the distribution of training and career development information, consult with AOC employees concerning their interests and ideas, and make recommendations to the Union and Management concerning training and career development programs and policies.

SECTION 2. 

A. Employees and supervisors shall work together, in conjunction with the Committee established under Section 1 of this article, to find training opportunities that will enhance the employees' knowledge, skills, abilities, or potential.

B. Employees may request to attend courses, seminars, meetings, or conferences that they believe will either enhance their current working skills or provide training for work they can reasonably expect to perform in the future.  The employee’s supervisor will approve training if he/she determines that the training is appropriate and in the best interest of the government.
 
C.  Management may allow attendance during duty time for training that is approved by Management as valuable to the agency's mission and the employees' performance. 

SECTION 3. AOC employees have the responsibility to develop their career plans.  Supervisors and rating officials are encouraged to work with employees to facilitate the development of employee career plans.

SECTION 4. With Management's approval, an employee within ten years of retirement eligibility may attend a retirement planning seminar or course offered by NOAA.  With Management's approval, an employee with at least five years of government service and within 15 years of retirement eligibility may attend a mid-career retirement planning seminar or course. 

Depending on budgetary constraints, Management may reimburse the employee for all authorized expenses related to such training.

SECTION 5. Management will make an effort to announce to all employees any available positions in the bargaining unit.

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