; (ii) may be accomplished through classroom instruction, occupational or industry courses, instruction provided through electronic media, or other instruction approved by the registration agency; (iii) shall be provided by one or more qualified instructors that— (I) (aa) meet technical instructor requirements of the applicable education agency in the State of registration; or (bb) are subject matter experts, defined for purposes of this subparagraph as individuals recognized within an industry as having expertise in a specific occupation; and (II) have training in teaching techniques and learning styles, or will obtain such training before providing the related technical instruction; and (iv) where appropriate and to the extent practicable, shall be aligned to a career pathway. (D) A progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule of wages to be paid to the apprentice that is— (i) consistent with measurable skill gains; and (ii) ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater of— (I) the minimum wage required under section 6(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 206(a) ); or (II) the applicable wage required by other applicable Federal or State laws (including regulations) or collective bargaining agreements. (E) The term of the apprenticeship program, which may be measured through— (i) a time-based model, which requires the completion of the industry standard for on-the-job learning hours ,which in no case shall be less than 2,000 hours, unless an alternative requirement is put forth by the employer and sponsor that reflects industry standards and is accepted by the Secretary and registration agency; (ii) a competency-based model, which requires the attainment of competency in the occupation