The department and a person awarded a grant under the program may use the grant only to provide training and employment assistance services to eligible participants. To be an eligible participant, the person may be employed or employable and shall, at the time of application for training or employment assistance under the program,
(1) be a resident of the state;
(2) have worked in a position covered by AS 23.20, or similar provisions in another state, at any time during the five years immediately preceding the application; and
(3) need training to improve the person's prospects for obtaining or retaining employment.