State Grant Administration + Human Resources (HR) Services

The ETP program is a state-funded initiative designed to assist California businesses in training their workforce to keep pace with changing technologies and labor market demands. Its primary objectives include reducing employee turnover, enhancing workforce skills, and increasing the productivity of California's businesses.

Eligibility to participate in the ETP program generally includes employers in California that provide direct services within the state, have been in business for at least 12 months, and are in good standing with state tax and labor laws; If your business is subject to the Unemployment Insurance Tax and is a priority industry, you will most likely qualify. Current priority industries for the Panel include, manufacturing, biotech/life science, IT services, media/entertainment, goods movement and transportation logistics, agriculture, healthcare, construction, and green technologies. Specific eligibility extends to both existing employees and new hires, provided the training curriculum meets ETP standards.

Training programs that qualify for ETP funding include but are not limited to technical skills training, management leadership programs, computer and software training, lean manufacturing techniques, and soft skills development like communication and teamwork.

Funding is based on various factors, including the number of trainees, the type of training, and the employer’s size. The typical reimbursement process involves submitting a training plan for approval before the training begins and then submitting invoices for reimbursement after successful completion of the training, contingent on meeting specific reporting requirements.

Training programs must be for occupational skills improvement, led by qualified trainers, and designed to lead to a recognized certificate or credential. Training must also provide a clear benefit to employees and the employer and must adhere to specific industry standards.

Participation in the ETP program can enhance employee skills, retention, and productivity, resulting in reduced training costs over time. By ensuring that your workforce's skills align with industry needs, the company can maintain a competitive edge and adapt more readily to changes in the market.

Employers are required to provide detailed reports on training outcomes, participant attendance, and completion rates as well as financial records demonstrating how ETP funds were utilized. Maintaining comprehensive records throughout the training process is critical for compliance and successful reimbursement.

Most of the funding comes from the Employment Training Tax.

Reimbursements are calculated on an hourly basis, ranging from $15 to $26 per training hour, depending on business size and industry. Computer-based training is compensated at a flat rate of $8 per hour. ETP grants are performance-based and must be earned according to the ETP Agreement. Payments are distributed at three milestones:

• 25% after an employee completes 8 hours of training;
• 50% after the employee finishes the training;
• 25% after the employee satisfies retention requirements.

ETP funding can indeed be used for training both existing employees and new hires. However, training for new hires must be focused on skills that lead to long-term employment in the company and align with ETP guidelines. 

The application process involves submitting an online application through the ETP's online portal, which includes a training plan and budget outlining your proposed program. The review process can take several weeks, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned training start date.

Recent changes can vary and may include adjustments to funding levels, eligibility requirements, or training focus areas. It's important to check the California ETP website regularly or engage with local ETP representatives for the latest updates as they may impact training strategies and funding opportunities.

Regardless of your company's size, having HR expertise is essential for navigating today's dynamic workplace. Whether you're facing challenges related to employment law, managing growth, or downsizing, access to HR expertise can safeguard your organization. Just one dissatisfied employee can file a claim, potentially resulting in significant costs. Fortunately, you may not require a full-time HR professional; a qualified HR consultant can provide support at a more affordable rate.

Consultants assist clients in adhering to state and federal labor and employment laws. They provide guidance and create essential documents such as employee handbooks, agreements, and policies. Additionally, they can facilitate legally mandated employee training, including sexual harassment prevention. If the consultant is credentialed, they can also support complaint management, which encompasses workplace investigations. Many organizations also grapple with issues like high turnover rates, engagement deficits, and compliance with regulations, including safety. HR consultants can help diagnose these challenges through a thorough assessment of your current HR practices and employee feedback.

 Our approach is designed to align HR initiatives with your strategic goals, ensuring that every HR activity supports broader business outcomes—such as improving efficiency, enhancing employee performance, and fostering a culture of innovation. Ensuring workplace compliance is equally crucial. This involves clearly communicating policies in writing and consistently applying and enforcing them. To achieve this, ongoing employee training is essential, along with cultivating a culture of compliance within the organization. We can help you adopt a proactive approach that keeps employees engaged in the process and recognizes and rewards those who demonstrate adherence to policies. Encourage supervisors and managers to make regular documentation a standard practice, ensuring consistency across the board. Additionally, develop a systematic method for monitoring and reviewing your compliance efforts regularly.

We would need to get a good idea of the scope of work before discussing rates as the final rate depends on the length and complexity of the project. Please note: For hourly rates, services are charged in 30-minute increments.

We utilize a combination of data-driven assessments, stakeholder interviews, and benchmarking against industry best practices. Frameworks like the Bottom Line Impact Model allow us to connect HR initiatives directly to business performance metrics.

We believe in a customized approach. We start with understanding your organization's mission, vision, and values through stakeholder interviews and workshops, which allows us to design solutions that resonate with your unique culture.

An engagement can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scope. Key milestones would include diagnostic assessments, interim reports, solution design workshops, and implementation phases, with regular updates throughout the process.

During our partnership, we establish key performance indicators (KPIs) at the outset, such as turnover rates, employee engagement scores, and compliance metrics. Post-implementation surveys and analytics allow us to track improvements and demonstrate ROI.

Your internal HR team will be integral to the process. We work closely with them as co-facilitators in assessments, workshops, and implementation strategies to ensure buy-in and the transfer of knowledge for sustainable results.

One common challenge is resistance to change. It's crucial to manage this by communicating the benefits of new initiatives, providing training, and involving employees in the process to ensure they feel a sense of ownership in the changes.

We provide various options for ongoing support, including follow-up assessments, coaching for your HR leaders, and workshops to reinforce new practices. Our focus is on building capacity within your team for long-term success.