MB,
Assuming that the precess is similar to Australian requirements you will need a Visa. I was told a similar story before going that Australian residents don't need a Visa to got to the US for training as long as its for less than 3 month.... WRONG! I was informed a week before my trip that I did need one and had to arrange a last minute meeting emergency meeting at the US Consulate to get the Visa in my passport before my trip.
It's pretty cheap to get it done so don't risk it unless you know that you don't need it for sure.
NF