ETPS makes a few changes ahead of implementation

As the Missouri Eligible Training Provider System (ETPS) readies for full implementation, a few changes are taking place now to move the program forward.

The first is the hire of Tracy Otto at the Division of Workforce Development. One of Tracy’s primary responsibilities will be managing a public relations and training campaign for the ETPS program. The Division of Workforce Development has already hosted a handful of webinars on the system, and plans to continue doing so in the future. They’re also investigating the possibilities of setting up a Gov Delivery system, which will allow users to customize the notifications that they receive. The idea behind the campaign as a whole will be to let users learn the system at the level that they need.
The team at DWD is also working to improve the system. As it stands, it’s very well suited to meet the state’s needs. One improvement that has been made is an overnight approval process. Previously, applications took up to five working days to review and move through the approval process. Now, student information can be verified by the ETPS case management system overnight.
Lastly, DWD has put together a working group whose purpose will be to include participating institutions in the policy-making process as it pertains to ETPS.
The system is slated to begin collecting data in July 2016, but the final requirements and guidance at the federal level aren’t expected to be released until June. Currently there is a reporting structure, but there is still some development that needs to be done with regard to earnings data. The target will be to have the system up and reporting as effectively as possible by October 2016.