You already fund California's training program. See what you can get back.
TrainBack Consulting helps California employers apply for state reimbursement of job-skills training through the Employment Training Panel. We handle the application and the paperwork, and we are paid only when you are.
Independent consultancy. Not affiliated with the State of California or the Employment Training Panel.
What the employee sees
What the employer sees
In the payroll system (ADP, Gusto, Rippling and similar)
Up to $7 per worker per year
The training tax is paid by the employer and never appears on an employee's stub. EDD collects it and credits it to the Employment Training Fund, which pays for approved training. Sample numbers for illustration.
How the funding works
ETP is pay-for-performance. You train first, then the state reimburses what you earned.
Employers pay
A small payroll tax, up to $7 per worker per year, collected with unemployment insurance.
The state holds it
The Employment Training Fund pays for projects the ETP Panel approves.
You apply first
Training must be approved before it starts. Approval typically takes four to six months.
ETP reimburses
Payment follows completed training and, usually, 90 days of full-time retention.
Check your eligibility
Six questions. This is a screening guide, not an ETP determination.
Estimate your reimbursement
A rough illustration using ETP's published fixed rates. Your actual amount depends on the approved contract.
Estimated reimbursement
$48,000
Illustration only. Single-employer contracts are capped at $600,000, and rates change, so we confirm current terms with ETP.
Training subjects ETP typically funds:
Not funded: company orientation, legally required safety training, continuing education and labor-law topics.
Who does what
Your company
Holds the contract with ETP, arranges the training, covers its cost up front, and receives the reimbursement. You can use your own instructors or an outside trainer.
TrainBack Consulting
Checks eligibility, prepares the application, tracks rosters and retention, and submits payment requests to ETP on the contract's schedule.
The training provider
Delivers the instruction. By ETP's rules it cannot also develop or administer the project, so we never provide the training ourselves.
Common questions
Is this free money?
No. It is reimbursement for training you deliver. Funding is earned after trainees complete the training and stay employed, and the project must follow ETP's rules.
Do we have to hire an outside trainer?
No. Employers can use their own instructors or outside vendors. ETP pays a fixed hourly rate per trainee rather than refunding your actual costs.
Can a video learning tool count?
Yes, in two ways. Live instruction over video is treated like classroom training. Self-paced computer-based courses qualify at a lower hourly rate and are usually combined with some live instruction.
How long does it take?
Applications typically take four to six months to reach approval. Training starts after approval, and payment follows the retention period, usually 90 days.
Can training we already did be reimbursed?
No. Training has to be approved before it begins. Costs incurred earlier are not reimbursed.
What does your service cost?
We work on a success-based fee, paid from the reimbursement you receive, with no upfront cost. We confirm the exact terms in writing before we start.
Does my industry qualify?
ETP typically funds for-profit employers that compete outside California, and manufacturing led approvals last fiscal year. Local-only service businesses may not qualify, though exceptions exist. We check each case.
Are you part of the state?
No. We are an independent consultancy and are not affiliated with the State of California or the Employment Training Panel.