Executive Director's Message

Brian McMahon

With the end of the 2009/10 Fiscal Year, ETP finishes a very challenging year for both staff and stakeholders. ETP experienced a continued sharp decline in Employment Training Tax revenue, along with a $20 million transfer of Employment Training Fund money to the Department of Social Services for the CalWorks program. As a result, ETP’s core program resources were extremely limited, allowing only $21 million in approved agreements, down from $95.7 million in the prior year.

Despite the limited availability of core funding, ETP was able to continue its role as a catalyst for economic and workforce development via partnerships with the California Energy Commission, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the Employment Development Department. In fact, ETP approved over 53 projects to train more than 9,700 incumbent workers and unemployed Californians. These alternative funds, for example, make it possible for rural hospitals to create jobs for nurse graduates, support business growth and develop worker skills in the clean/green sector.

As of now, it is not clear what ETP’s 2010/11 FY budget will be; however, it is clear that many legislators recognize the important role that ETP plays and should continue to play in the state’s economic recovery. We remain hopeful that ETP’s demonstrated track record of supporting employer driven, performance based training along with the advocacy efforts of our stakeholders will be the basis for a stronger appropriation of core funding this year. Please monitor ETP’s website – www.etp.ca.gov for updates on a myriad of items such as our budget, the application process, and alternative funds.

Summary of ETP Project Activity in fiscal year 2009-2010

Furthering ETP’s vision of supporting economic development in California, ETP approved project contracts for nearly $36 million (of combined core funding and alternative sources) during fiscal year 2009/2010. read »

Alternative Funding

ETP’s core budget was depleted by October 2009; however, it continued supporting California’s economy and jobs by expanding partnerships and leveraging its resources. read »

Pipeline Projects

Demand for ETP funding continues to be strong. There are 238 projects worth nearly $31 million in the ETP pipeline waiting to be funded. read »