As the agency has grown since its creation in 1982, the number of ways it facilitates job training has grown as well. The best-known approach is supporting a single employer to pay or help pay for training. That program covers both small and large employers.

More recently, money has been set aside to assist agencies representing multiple employers – Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations. Public and semi-public agencies like community colleges and workforce development boards can also receive ETP funding.

Wadzinski said the workforce training and retraining concept has both broadened and accelerated with technological advances, and ETP has programs to match. The agency is part of the California Shipbuilding Ecosystems Alliance (CalSEA) to help expand shipbuilding in the state. And the newest training program provides money to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP).

One EPT program not directly related to workforce training is designed to help small businesses. The Paid Family Leave Small Business Grant helps companies provide family leave for their staff by paying part of the cost. Grants up to $2,000 per employee are available to companies with 1-50 FTE, and companies from 51 to 100 employees can receive up to $1,000 each.

The key to taking advantage of these programs, Wadzinski said, is knowing about them and making the effort to apply. Their comprehensive website, including information about how to apply for training financing, is www.etp.ca.gov.

Wadzinski can be reached about Southern California EPT programs at 213-238-9351 or elsa.wadzinski@etp.ca.gov, and Janelle Huerta, who covers San Diego and Imperial Valley, is at 619-509-3467 or Janelle.huerta@etp.ca.gov.