Since 1982, California has reinvested over $2 billion in the state’s workforce through the Employment Training Panel (ETP). If your company is investing in its people, you are eligible to tap into a program that has already empowered over 100,000 businesses to stay competitive.

The ETP program offers a high-impact "pay-for-performance" opportunity to offset the costs of upskilling your workforce. Here is how you can leverage these grants to fuel your company’s growth in 2026.

Turn Training Expenses into Revenue
California provides direct grants to improve the job skills of both new hires and existing employees. This is a cash reimbursement for successful training. Grants are up to $28/hr, per employee. Most companies can receive up to $2,000 per employee. 

Who Qualifies?
If you are a California employer investing in retraining current staff or onboarding new talent, you qualify. While most industries are eligible, the state offers increased reimbursement rates for "Priority Industries":

• Technology & Science: Biotech, IT, and Professional/Scientific/Technical services.

• Industrial & Infrastructure: Manufacturing, Construction, and Green/Clean Technologies.

• Logistics & Vital Services: Transportation Logistics, Agriculture, and Healthcare.

• Creative: Entertainment and Media.

 

Full-Service Grant Management
Navigating state bureaucracy shouldn't be your full-time job. We manage every phase of the process to ensure you secure the maximum funding available. Our team handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business:

• Program Development: We identify and formalize your training programs to meet strict state standards.

• Strategic Application: We handle the preliminary application and navigate the eligibility determination process.

• Ongoing Compliance: We provide end-to-end process management, from training development to securing grant funding.

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Maximize Your 2026 Strategy
With over 1.5 million workers already trained through this program, the proof of its success is in the results. In March 2026 alone, the panel approved over $11.6 million to support more than 9,000 trainees. Whether you are implementing new technology, advancing manufacturing capabilities, or scaling your team, ETP funding can significantly subsidize your progress.
 

Ready to claim your portion of California’s $2 billion legacy? Contact Welsh Advisors today.