Frequently Asked Questions About ETP Funding
Q. What is ETP?
A. The Employment Training Panel is the state’s premier program supporting job creation and retention through training. ETP fulfills its mission by reimbursing the cost of employer-driven training for incumbent workers and funding training for unemployed
workers, which is designed to help them re-enter the workforce. ETP programs help ensure that California businesses have the skilled workers they need to remain competitive in a global economy. The agency is funded by a special tax on California employers.
Q. Which industries qualify for ETP funding?
A. The following industries qualify for ETP subsidized training. The employer paid premium portion of medical, dental, and vision benefits can be calculated into the minimum hourly wage.
- Employees who are California residents
Q. How quickly can my company get approved for ETP funded training through my local community college.
A. It typically takes 1 – 5 business days for your community college to procure approval on your behalf.
Q. Once approved for funding, how soon can I begin training workers?
A. You can begin training your employees immediately after you are approved.
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Clean/Green Technology
- Construction
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Multimedia/ Entertainment
- Transportation
- Utilities
Q. What is the maximum number of students we can place in a class?
A. The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) maintains a maximum 20-student-to-1 instructor ratio for all classes. Any number past 20 students requires an extra instructor that may add additional expense outside what ETP reimburses. For quality reasons, we strive to keep the student-to-instructor ratio at ETP’s recommended level.
Q. Are supervisors able to participate in training?
A. Yes, supervisors and managers can receive training along with frontline workers. However, supervisors and managers generally cannot comprise more than 20 percent of the total trainee population for a single employer contract or multiple employer contract.
Q. Can I still qualify if my industry is not listed above?
A. Yes. Your company may qualify if it is subject to the California State Unemployment Insurance Tax. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
Q. Which employees are eligible for subsidized training?
A. Employees who meet the following state- mandated requirements are eligible.
- Full-time employees and permanent employees
- Employees who are paid the minimum hourly wage requirement, which can vary by county.
Q. What if the workers to be trained are covered under a union agreement?
A. The union will need to write a letter stating they support the proposed training.