Established in 1982, the Employment Training Panel (ETP) has proven itself for 30 years as the state's premier program supporting job creation and retention, through training.  ETP is funded by a special tax on California employers and differs from other workforce development organizations whose emphasis is on pre-employment training.  ETP fulfills its mission by reimbursing the cost of employer-driven training for incumbent workers and funding the type of training needed by unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce.  overall, gthe ETP program helps to ensure thant California businesses will have the skilled workers they need to remain competitive.  

Employers must be able to effectively train workers in response to changing business and industry needs. While the need for workforce training is critical, businesses generally reserve capacity building dollars for highly technical and professional occupations – limiting investment in training for frontline workers who produce goods and deliver services. ETP helps to fill this gap by funding training that is targeted to the frontline workers.

• Employers make decisions about the training program. Employers are   involved in every aspect of training. Companies assess their training needs, customize curricula to address the specific needs of their businesses, and implement and administer the training plan.
• Training investments help companies become more profitable, so companies are encouraged to share that profit with workers involved in training. ETP contracts promote wage increases and require employers to retain trained workers for specific periods in order to earn ETP funds.
• Employers are encouraged to assume greater responsibility for training. ETP reimburses contractors based on flat rates. Companies must pay the difference between ETP reimbursement and their actual training costs. As training costs increase, companies pay a larger percentage of the costs.
• Performance-based contracting helps to ensures success. A business may earn ETP funds only after a trainee completes all training and is retained for a minimum time period (normally 90 days) at a required wage, in a job using the skills learned in training. Other performance requirements ensure that each stakeholder – the company, the worker, and ETP – shares responsibility for expanding the numbers of high-wage, high-skill jobs in California.
• ETP funding is a catalyst for future workforce training. Employers who participate in ETP-funded training are more likely to invest in future workforce training. The ETP experience provides them with the practical knowledge and tools to successfully implement a training plan.

The City of Dixon’s Economic Development/Grants Manager can assist employers interested in participating in or learning more about the program. (707) 678-7000, ext. 1126.