The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall direct the Program. The Secretary may not provide training assistance under the Program except at the specific request of an employer or group of employers. To identify employers that need assistance, the Secretary shall use local advisory groups, including private industry councils and joint apprenticeship committees. Subject to §§ 3-405 and 3-412(c) and (d)(1) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish eligibility criteria and priorities for assistance under the Program. In accordance with § 2.5–109 of this article, the Secretary shall submit a report on the operation and performance of the Program.