Employment Training Panel
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In today's high-tech, global work environment, the need for advanced skills and tools is a critical issue facing both employers and employees. The existence of effective training programs designed to help meet this pressing need continues to grow in importance. Fortunately, Californians have the solution right at their fingertips – the Employment Training Panel (ETP).
The ETP is a business / labor- supported state agency established in 1983 for the purpose of re-training workers. Focused on propelling the state's economy, the ETP provides funds to prepare both the unemployed and underemployed to meet the requirements of high-wage, high-skill jobs. By boosting their ability to perform at an elevated level of productivity and efficiency, the agency also helps strengthen the competitive edge of the businesses that employ them.
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The Challenges of Employment
Strategy, Accountability, Flexibility
Coordinating with the Placer County Office of Economic Development, the state Employment Training Panel (ETP) targets industries that are positioned to drive the state's economy – both today and in the future. The programs presented to these businesses reflect some of the nation's most stringent performance-based standards, helping to ensure that the training provided results in increased jobs.
Specifically, ETP requires trainees to work for at least 90 days at their new position following training. As a show of support for employers that participate, ETP allows each individual company to determine the type of training—including courses and instructors—based on their own needs and objectives.
Types of Training Programs
ETP provides funds for four types of training programs:
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New Hire Program
This program is geared to unemployed workers who are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits or have exhausted their benefits within the last 24 months. To meet their specific needs, ETP has contracted with accredited educational and vocational institutions and with training agencies that have a proven track record of placement and retention. These agencies must demonstrate the labor demand for the proposed training, and prove that it will prepare participants in a manner that is satisfactory to employers. The training and placement of trainees must be for a minimum of 90 days in companies that provide long-term job security.
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Retraining Program
This is the largest and most popular program for companies facing out-of-state competition. Specifically, it provides current employees with training in new skills—helping businesses remain competitive, elevate to a high-performance workplace, or diversify their products. Companies involved must show an ongoing commitment to training, evaluate the effectiveness of their training, and meet standards relating to job security.
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Career Ladder
In areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of skilled workers, this program provides advancement training that must create career-advancement opportunities for trainees. It must also provide new jobs for unemployed individuals who qualify for the vacated positions of the newly upgraded workers.
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Special Employment Training Program
This program is designed to serve populations and businesses whose special needs do not fall under standard training formats. An example would be small business management training. In addition, ETP funds are available for the training of recently hired welfare recipients.
Eligibility And The Program Process
Any Placer County for profit business that contributes to the state's Employment Training Fund can apply for ETP funding, provided they meet one of the following criteria:
Funding is available for a diversity of needs, including:
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Supervisory skills
- Production techniques
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- Computer training
- Customer service
- Management skills
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To apply for ETP funding, a simple, step-by-step process applies:
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You will first work with Placer County Office of Economic Development staff to develop a proposal.
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The proposal is then presented for consideration to ETP's staff and their eight-member panel, consisting of business, management, labor, and government officials appointed by the governor, the speaker of the Assembly, and the president pro tem of the Senate.
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Once approval is received, contractors are reimbursed for training – including classroom work, labs, and structured on-site training – provided by the business or Sierra College.
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All trainees must receive an ETP-defined minimum number of training hours; be retained in a long-term, secure job for at least 90 days following the completion of training; and meet ETP minimum-wage requirements.
Starting the Process
If you are an employer you will need to attend a free orientation. You will then be asked to submit information to determine your eligibility. Once your eligibility for funding is established, an ETP development analyst will visit you and provide you with direct technical assistance.
For more information on the ETP contract development process, please call Marcy Schmidt at Placer County Office of Economic Development: 530.889.4061.
Placer County Office of Economic Development
(530) 889-4016
175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603