The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Apprenticeship program—A program registered with the Council and evidenced by a Certificate of Registration or other appropriate document as meeting the apprenticeship standards of the Council.

Council—The Apprenticeship and Training Council of the Commonwealth.

Director—Any authorized person legally appointed to supervise the activities of the Council.

Employer—Any person or organization employing an apprentice whether or not the apprentice is enrolled with such person or organization or with some other person or organization.

Minority—One of four major ethnic groups other than Caucasian, namely Negro, American Indian, Oriental and Spanish American or a person, regardless of race, who is handicapped with a non-job-related disability. The term ‘‘Spanish American’’ or ‘‘Spanish-surnamed American’’ is deemed to include all persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish or Cuban origin.

Nonjob-related disability—Any handicap or disability which does not substantially interfere with the ability to perform the essential functions of the employment which a handicapped person applies for, is engaged in, or has been engaged in.

Sponsor—Any person or organization operating an apprenticeship program, irrespective of whether the person or organization is an employer.