Sec. 5.5. (a) This section applies to a grant initially awarded under this chapter after June 30, 2019.
(b) Eligibility for a grant from the skills enhancement fund under this chapter is limited to cooperative arrangements or agreements that lead to:
(1) for a participating employee that is a new hire, a postsecondary credential, a nationally recognized industry credential, or specialized company training; or
(2) for a participating employee that is an existing worker:
(A) a postsecondary credential, a nationally recognized industry credential, or specialized company training; and
(B) an increase of wages.
An increase of wages with a participating employee or group of participating employees negotiated by agreement, regardless of timing, qualifies as an increase of wages for purposes of subdivision (2)(B).