(a) An occupational education program is one conducted in approved secondary schools or classes, including cooperative agreements with employers for part-time work and study, which prepares individuals for gainful employment after leaving school as semi-skilled or skilled workers, or technicians, or subprofessionals in recognized occupations or new or emerging occupations. Such programs also include preparation for further occupational education of an advanced technical nature at the post-secondary level.

(b) For the purpose of the apportionments of State aid pursuant to subdivisions 17 and 34 of section 3602 of the Education Law, occupational education programs shall mean instructional sequences approved by the commissioner under section 100.2(h) of this Title in the subject areas of trade and industrial, technical, agriculture, health occupations, or business and marketing.

(c) For the purposes of paragraph b of subdivision 17 of section 3602 of the Education Law and this Part, local funds shall mean that portion of the revenues derived from real property and local nonproperty taxes levied for the support of the elementary and secondary school program that was expended for services included within occupational education as defined in this Part.