1) Yes, 1994.

2) The idea sounds appealing. The point would be to say that anyone who graduates the training program has the same set of definable skills and knowledge. It's a standardization process. The downside to this idea is twofold: one, who sets the standards; and two, who manages the program, including changes and updates to the training process.

I think the advantage would be to the employers, because they know what they are getting.