Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Employment and Training Fund program?

In 1991, the State Legislature established the ETF program to address the growing need to upgrade the job skills of Hawaii's workforce. The ETF program was created as part of a national movement that swept the country in the nineteen-eighties.  Our nation's leaders, particularly at state and local levels, were concerned about the United States workforce's ability to compete in the international economic arena.   Investing in human capital to improve productivity and the nation's quality of goods and services became a top priority.   

There are two ways to access ETF: 

• ETF Grant ("macro") Program:
  Provides grants for industry specific training where there are critical skill shortages in high growth occupational or industry areas. These funds are used as "seed" money to develop " cutting edge" education and training curricula and program design and activities where none exist in the state.

• ETF Employer Referral ("micro") Program:
  

  Is most popular among individual businesses that need to upgrade the job skills of their employees. Training courses that are available include, but not limited to: computer, business, management, health, medical training, or soft skills training.

How do employees apply for training and what are the requirements?

To apply for ETF assistance, double-click the link below. Complete/sign both forms and mail to any of the WDD Local offices. Enrollment forms for training have been revised .

• Forms for Instructions & Employer Referral and Course Registration Agreement

What types of classes are available and who provides the training?

Training courses that are available include, but not limited to: computer, business, management, health, medical training, food safety or soft skills training. Click on the link below to review the list of ETF approved vendors.

• ETF Approved Vendors

Are there training funds available for industry training and what are the requirements?

The ETF Grant Program (also known as the "macro" program) provides grants for industry specific training where there are critical skill shortages in high growth occupational or industry areas. WDD/ETF solicits grant proposals on an ongoing basis. For information on eligibility requirements, or to pick up a macro application, contact the ETF Administration Office at (808) 586-8838.

Who can I contact for more information about ETF?

Contact any WDD Local office or call the ETF Administration Office at (808) 586-8838. Click on the link below for a list of WDD Local offices.

WDD Local Offices