The administrator shall institute and maintain an education and training program for workers' compensation mediators, workers' compensation judges, the chief judge, ombudsmen, and the judges of the workers' compensation appeals board in order to assure that these persons maintain current and appropriate skills and knowledge in performing their duties. Before assuming their duties, all persons selected to serve or appointed as workers' compensation mediators, workers' compensation judges, the chief judge, ombudsmen, or as judge of the workers' compensation appeals board shall be provided formal training and education, which shall include training on the department's workers' compensation system, the Tennessee workers' compensation statutes and case law, and the rules and regulations of the bureau of workers' compensation. In addition, such persons shall attend at least seven (7) hours of training each year that is focused on workers' compensation statutes and case law, and the rules and regulations of the bureau of workers' compensation.