The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) founded in 1982, provides funding for businesses who enhance the skills of their workforce through employee training. The ETP program is funded by a special payroll tax under the California Unemployment Insurance (UI) called the Employment Training Tax (ETT). Businesses of all sizes and industries are welcome to apply and grants/training contracts can range between $50,000 to $1,000,000.
- The program is funded by the Employment Training Tax paid by California employers, and targets firms threatened by out-of-state competition or those who compete in the global economy.
- The program is performance-based. Employers must provide proof that training hours have been completed and trainees have been retrained in well-paying jobs for a specific period at a specified wage before ETP reimburses payment.
- Since its inception in 1982, ETP has reimbursed employers well over $1 billion for training workers in more than 80,000 businesses.
- For Incumbent Worker training, employers contribute to the cost of training. ETP also funds training for unemployed workers
- ETP provides additional incentive to assist small businesses and employers in high unemployment areas of the State.
PRIORITIES AND PRIORITY INDUSTRIES
The ETP prioritizes training for industries key to the State’s economic health. Based on NAICS Codes (North American Industry Classification System), such priority industries include:
- Agriculture
- Allied Healthcare
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Construction
- Green/Clean Technology
- Goods Movement and Transportation Logistics
- Information Technology Services
- Manufacturing/Food Production
- Multimedia/Entertainment
- Technical Services
While priority industries have a larger cap for funding, all industries are eligible to apply.
ELIGIBLE ENTITIES
Under its core program, the ETP can only fund training for employers that are subject to paying the ETT. ETP can contract directly with the following entities:
- Single Employers subject to the Unemployment Insurance tax and having a California Employer Account Number (CEAN) with a prefix of 699 or lower;
- Groups of Employers, including Chambers of Commerce, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees, Trade Associations or Economic Development Corporations;
- Training Agencies include the following educational institutions:
- Community College or Community College District
- University or University foundations
- Adult School
- Regional Occupational Program
- Private training agency with at least a two year history of providing training and placement services to the public, and appropriate certification.
ONLINE ORIENTATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
To learn more about the ETP program, visit here to view the schedule and register for an online orientation. The sessions last approximately 30-45 minutes and are designed to deliver an overview of the program and establish guidelines of the program and the process for application.
After orientation, you will be requested to submit a preliminary application to determine basic eligibility. If your organization is determined to be eligible, an ETP Regional Office Analyst will schedule a site visit at your facility to go over the requirements of the contract and documentation required to complete the contract. The Analyst will work with you to complete the Application for Funding as well as finalize the contract terms and conditions for your training proposal.
There is also a Panel Approval process after the application has been reviewed by the ETP. You or a company representative should be prepared to meet with the panel to discuss any questions related to your proposal. After the Panel approves your training proposal, you may formally begin the training program.
