(a) (1) An employer receiving assistance under the Program shall be located in the State.
(2) In order to receive assistance under the Program, an employer shall request training assistance in job–specific skills to train new employees or to upgrade or retain existing Maryland–based employees covered under Title 8 of the Labor and Employment Article.
(b) The Secretary shall give priority to employers that are:
(1) manufacturers; or
(2) threatened by the pressure of increased foreign or domestic competition.