Program Overview

ETP is a business and labor-supported state agency that funds the costs of vocational training. ETP is governed by an 8 member Panel. ETP is funded by a tax on employers, collected alongside the Unemployment Insurance tax. ETP receives no General Fund support.

  • The program is funded by the Employment Training Tax paid by California employers, and targets firms threatened by out-of-state competition or 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 of time 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.

Getting Started

Upgrade your workers' skills by creating a customized training program with ETP's Contract Funding. For additional information see Contract Funding or contact ETP's Economic Development Unit at (916) 327-4391.

ETP’s Program Fact Sheet 

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