(a) For any occupation for which no wage order, issued pursuant to section 7 of this title, is in effect the Commissioner may provide by regulation, subject to the approval of the Governor, after a public hearing at which any person may be heard, for the employment in such occupation at such wages lower than the wages applicable under this chapter for learners and apprentices as the Commissioner may find appropriate to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, and to safeguard the wage rates applicable under this chapter. No individual shall be employed at wages fixed pursuant to this section except under special license issued under applicable regulations of the Commissioner.
(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the employment of any person as such apprentice under the sponsorship, administration, or supervision of the Department of Education of the Virgin Islands, in which case the Department of Education shall determine the proper minimum standards.