For ETP training funding, California employers apply to the Employment Training Panel, a state program that reimburses eligible businesses for part of the cost of training their workers. The money generally comes back to you after employees finish training and stay on the job for a set period, so planning ahead is key.
This guide explains the basics in plain English for businesses in San Bernardino and across the Inland Empire. Program rules change, so always confirm current details at etp.ca.gov.
What Is the Employment Training Panel?
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a California state program that helps employers train their workers. Its goal is to help businesses stay competitive and help workers build skills that lead to steady, good jobs.
Many employers ask who funds workforce development programs like this one. ETP is generally funded through the Employment Training Tax, which California employers pay as part of their payroll taxes. In other words, many businesses are already paying into the system, and ETP is one way to put that investment back to work for your team.
How ETP Training Funding California Employers Receive Generally Works
Every contract is different, but the general process looks like this:
- Check eligibility. Review the requirements on etp.ca.gov to see if your business and your workers may qualify.
- Plan your training. Decide what skills your team needs and how training will be delivered.
- Apply. Submit an application to ETP. Some small businesses join group contracts run by organizations that work with several employers at once.
- Train your workers. Deliver the training and keep careful records of who attended and for how long.
- Meet retention rules. Trained workers usually need to stay employed for a required period.
- Get reimbursed. Once requirements are met, ETP reimburses the approved training costs.
What Kinds of Training Can ETP Support?
ETP is known for supporting job-related skills training. Depending on your contract, this may include:
- Business skills, such as leadership, management, and communication
- Computer and digital skills
- Job-specific technical skills
- Continuous improvement and quality training
- Training for new hires as well as current employees
ETP sets rules on what counts, how training is delivered, and how records are kept. Read the current guidance on etp.ca.gov before you build your plan.
Tips for Inland Empire Employers Applying for ETP
- Start early. The application and approval process can take time, so do not wait until you need training next week.
- Keep good records. Attendance and hours tracking matter for reimbursement.
- Think about retention. Choose training that also helps people want to stay.
- Ask for help. Local workforce partners and your nearest America's Job Center of California can point you to resources.
- Combine resources. ETP is one tool. WIOA employer services, such as On-the-Job Training, may also be available through local workforce boards.
How The Ayangbah Foundation Supports Employers
The Ayangbah Foundation is an adult education and career training nonprofit in downtown San Bernardino. We help job seekers build career readiness, leadership, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business development skills through our Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training. Our Public Speaking & Communication Lab, builds the communication skills employers often say they value. If you are looking for prepared candidates or want to talk about training goals, our Employers page is the place to start.
FAQ
Is ETP training funding in California only for big companies?
No. ETP works with businesses of many sizes. Small businesses may apply on their own or take part in group contracts. Check etp.ca.gov for current options.
Does ETP pay for training up front?
ETP generally works as a reimbursement program, meaning you are repaid after training and retention requirements are met. Confirm how your contract works with ETP directly.
Can ETP and WIOA funding be used together?
They are separate programs with their own rules. Some employers use both for different needs. Ask ETP and your local America's Job Center of California how they may fit together.
ETP training funding can help your business grow its people and its bottom line at the same time. Visit our Employers page to connect with The Ayangbah Foundation, and learn more about our Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training.