Notwithstanding ORS 657.335 to 657.360 or the provisions of this chapter relating to availability for work, actively seeking work or refusal to accept suitable work, an unemployed individual participating in an apprenticeship program who is otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits:

1. (1) Is not ineligible for the benefits or waiting week credit solely by reason of attending a program of related instruction established in accordance with ORS 660.157 if the individual’s attendance:

   1. (a) Does not exceed 10 weeks during the benefit year of the individual; and
   2. (b) Is required as a condition of the individual’s continued employment; and

2. (2) Shall be considered to be in a program of instruction with the approval of the Director of the Employment Department if the individual:

   1. (a) Provides the director with a copy of the individual’s effective apprenticeship agreement approved in accordance with the requirements of ORS 660.002 to 660.210; and
   2. (b) Establishes to the satisfaction of the director that the training is scheduled by a work-related entity and not by the individual claiming the benefits.

[1989 c.818 §3; 1999 c.124 §1; 2016 c.18 §1]