Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Apprenticeship Evidence-Building Portfolio, New Collection
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Labor wants to hear what people think about how they gather information on special job training programs. They want to make sure their questions are easy to understand and don't take too much time for people to answer.
Summary AI
The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on a proposed new collection of information related to its Apprenticeship Evidence-Building Portfolio. This effort is part of their initiative to reduce paperwork and make data collection more efficient and understandable. The goal is to study various apprenticeship programs funded by the DOL to evaluate their design, implementation, and effectiveness in preparing individuals for jobs in growing industries. Interested parties can submit their comments by April 5, 2021, via email or mail, as specified in the notice.
Abstract
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents is properly assessed. Currently, the Department of Labor is soliciting comments concerning the collection of data about the Apprenticeship Evidence-Building Portfolio. A copy of the proposed Information Collection Request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, a notice from the Department of Labor (DOL) published in the Federal Register, outlines a proposal for a new information collection project related to the Apprenticeship Evidence-Building Portfolio. This effort seeks public input on data collection methods, intended to improve understanding and efficiency in assessing apprenticeship programs funded by the DOL. These programs aim to prepare individuals for employment in sectors with significant growth potential.
Summary of the Document
The notice invites comments from the public concerning the collection methods and processes for evaluating various apprenticeship initiatives backed by government funds. This is part of a broader strategy to minimize paperwork and enhance the clarity and utility of information gathered. The initiative is seeking to examine the design, execution, and outcomes of apprenticeship programs that address skill gaps and readiness for youth apprenticeship. Responses to this call for comments must be submitted by April 5, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several notable issues emerge from the document:
Technical Language and Access: The document's use of terms like "PRA95" (Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995) and "ICR" (Information Collection Request) could hinder comprehension for readers unaccustomed to bureaucratic jargon. These references lack explanations, potentially alienating those the notice intends to engage.
Transparency in Data Use: While the document states that public comments will be summarized for the Office of Management and Budget, it does not detail how these comments will influence decision-making, which could raise concerns about transparency.
Selection Process for Participants: There is no information about how survey and interview participants are chosen. A lack of detail here could suggest possible bias, impacting the reliability of the evaluations.
Complex Presentation: The provided details are densely formatted, making the document challenging to read. Simplifying the text could enhance public engagement and ensure that more individuals can provide informed responses.
Lack of Clear Metrics: Without specific outcomes or metrics for success, it's difficult to assess whether the initiatives justify their cost or effectively address their goals.
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, particularly stakeholders in education and workforce development, this document represents a chance to influence how apprenticeship programs are evaluated at a federal level. Efficient data collection could lead to better-designed programs, offering more meaningful pathways to employment in thriving industries. However, unclear or biased data collection methods could result in ineffective policy recommendations or a misuse of resources.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts:
Program Participants and Staff: Apprenticeship program staff and participants stand to benefit from a more precise understanding of best practices, ultimately improving program success and participant outcomes.
Educational Institutions: Schools and training centers involved in apprenticeship delivery can gain insights into effective strategies and partnerships to enhance their offerings.
Negative Impacts:
Administrative Burden: Institutions and partners may face additional administrative tasks due to the new data collection processes unless these are adequately streamlined.
Underrepresented Groups: If not carefully monitored, selection bias in data collection could lead to results that do not fully represent or address the needs of underrepresented groups in apprenticeship programs.
In conclusion, while the Department of Labor aims to refine apprenticeship program evaluations, the approach outlined in this notice requires clarity and careful consideration of public feedback to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively.
Issues
• The document uses technical terms and references such as 'PRA95', 'ICR', and specific grant names without providing direct explanations for general readers, which may lead to misunderstanding for those unfamiliar with these terms.
• The information regarding how comments will be utilized could be more explicitly detailed to improve transparency.
• The document does not specify how the participants for the interviews and surveys will be selected, which could imply bias or partiality in the data collection process.
• The text in the document is dense and could be simplified or broken down into simpler language to enhance clarity and understanding.
• No specific outcomes or success metrics for the evidence-building portfolio's initiatives are mentioned, which makes it difficult to assess the impact or effectiveness of the expenditure.