Youth Employment and Training Act

(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H. R. 6138 passed in lieu)

Youth Employment and Training Act - Adds a new title (Title VIII: Youth Employment and Training) to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973.

Authorizes such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the provisions of such title.

Establishes a National Young Adult Conservation Corps, to be administered by the Secretary of Labor through interagency agreements with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, for the purpose of carrying out projects on Federal or non-Federal public land and waters.

Limits membership in the Corps to unemployed individuals who are 16 or 23 years old, inclusive. Sets forth guidelines for referrals of candidates. Stipulates that no individual may be employed in the Corps for a total period of more than 12 months.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to determine the location of each residential and nonresidential campsite.

Lists types of projects which may be performed by the Corps including (1) silviculture measures, (2) erosion control, (3) wildlife habitat and range management improvements, (4) recreation development, (5) forest insect and disease prevention and control, and (6) general sanitation.

Establishes a program of community conservation and improvement projects to provide work and training opportunities for eligible youths for a period not to exceed 12 months. Provides for the allocation of funds on the basis of the relative number of unemployed persons within each State as compared to all States. Stipulates that funds be available for projects for Native American eligible youths and projects for eligible youths in migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with eligible applicants to pay the costs of community improvement projects to be carried out by project applicants employing eligible youths and appropriate supervisory personnel.

Sets forth the procedures for project applications, agreements, and approval of agreements.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to enable eligible applicants to provide employment opportunities and appropriate training and supportive services for eligible participants. Provides for the allocation of funds for these programs on the basis of the relative number of unemployed persons in each State, the relative number of unemployed persons in areas having unemployment rates of 6.5 percent or greater, and the relative number of persons in low-income families. Specifies that funds be made available to States for special statewide services, to prime sponsors for in-school programs, and to prime sponsors for programs to enhance the job projects and career opportunities of young persons. Provides that the remaining funds shall be available for Native American youths, for youths in migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and for innovative and experimental programs.

Defines eligible applicants and eligible participants. Sets forth conditions for receipt of financial assistance.

Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to support innovative and experimental programs to test new approaches for dealing with the unemployment problems of youths.

Sets forth maintenance of effort, labor standards, participant protections, and similar requirements.

Provides that the Secretary take appropriate steps to increase participation in training and job opportunities under such Act for Vietnam-era veterans under 27 years of age and for disabled veterans. Provides that each prime sponsor shall give special consideration to unemployed persons with previous teaching experience, in filling teaching positions in elementary and secondary schools.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should provide for demonstration projects which coordinate the delivery of manpower and social services. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary encourage prime sponsors to work with local education agencies on the allocation of public service jobs.