What is the appropriate use of JT vs. VU?

As there appears to be overlap between these two componenets, we'll attempt to clarify.

The VU is a code that should primarily be used for those parents who self-enroll and are on a transfer pathway. Most often, we see this entered when a parent begins their TANF eligibility and informs a case manager they have just begun a degree program at a university or college. This code was utilized and was in existence before DRA to deter parents from embarking on a 4-year degree.

As policy developed for DRA, Job Skills Training (JT) was better defined and came into more prominent usage. While JT is not to be considered as the “one size fits all”, its definition has been clarified by federal officials in the final DRA federal rules to more broadly encompass various activities (e.g, pre-requisites not integrated into a training plan, part-time vocational education, and the ability to complete a degree when the 1-yr of vocational education has been exhausted). JT is preferred over VU.

There are also important differences: JT, as long so it is stacked with a core activity with a minimum average of 20 hours per week, and so long as there is sufficient participation, will count as participation. VU will not. VU could also render the parent ineligible for childcare and support services, while the JT will not.

Thus far, colleges have been encouraged to only design plans for parents that could be completed in 12 calendar months or less. However, please do not infer from this rule that if a parent has exhausted her 12 months, and finds herself a short time to completion that we should discourage her from finishing. In fact, the JT definition was expanded to incorporate training that will lead to work: “the training and education is designed to meet the needs of a specific employer or is general training that prepares an individual for employment”. Clearly, completing a degree would better prepare this individual for employment.

The full description from the WF Handbook is as follows:

7.3.3.What is Skills enhancement training (JT) It can include:
•Training to enhance job skills, such as computer/keyboarding classes, classes to learn software applications, CPR/basic first aid training, or flagger training.
•Literacy or language instruction when it is explicitly focused on skills needed for employment or combined with job training.
•Developmental education or prerequisites required for a vocational certificate.
•Any education and training required by an employer or to provide a person with the ability to obtain employment, to advance or adapt to the changing demands of the workplace including part-time vocational education classes.