Vernon Thompson, an employer educator in CalPERS’ Customer Education and Outreach Division, reviewed the agency’s training resources for employers and members, and explained how to sign up for instructor‑led classes, self‑paced online training and employer‑sponsored sessions.

Why it matters: accurate benefit administration and compliant reporting are aided by training that teaches both the rules (business‑rules classes) and the system navigation (myCalPERS classes).

Thompson said CalPERS offers two complementary kinds of employer training: business‑rules classes that explain responsibilities and legal requirements (the “rules of the road”) and myCalPERS system classes that show how to complete transactions in the system (the “driver training”). He recommended employers take the business‑rules training first and noted that classes are offered virtually and in person at regional offices. Employers can also request employer‑sponsored trainings tailored to agency schedules and needs; CalPERS can provide a regional training room if an agency lacks space.

For members, Thompson described the Member Education Center, the member education bulletin, and California benefit education events (CBEs) that provide retirement and health‑benefits guidance. He encouraged employers to promote myCalPERS registration to their employees so members can view service credits, run retirement estimates and schedule regional‑office appointments. He also urged employers to subscribe to the employer bulletin for circular letters and guidance going back to 1996.

Thompson provided links to online reference and student guides and recommended that both new and seasoned staff use these materials as refreshers.