Deadline approaching to apply for training grants through Going PRO Talent Fund Michigan employers need to apply by Thursday, October 28
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021
Media Contact: Steph Willis, 517-420-5137 or communications@michiganworks.org
LANSING, Mich. – The deadline for Michigan employers to apply for a share of at least $40 million in competitive training funds from the Going PRO Talent Fund program is fast approaching. The application period is in effect now and the deadline to submit applications is Oct. 28 at 5:00 p.m. Selected applicants will be announced in Dec. 2021.
Going PRO Talent Fund provides grants to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must be short-term in nature and fill a demonstrated talent need as well as lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. Training programs are customized to the needs of each employer, allowing them to either promote from within or to train and develop skilled workers.
"Employers increasingly seek out Michigan Works! services and see the workforce system as a partner to better support their business goals and the goals of their employees," said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is essential to helping Michigan businesses meet the growing demand for skilled workers and provides individuals with industry-recognized credentials that lead to higher wages.”
Employers interested in applying for Going PRO Talent Fund grants are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center where they can work with a member of the Business Solutions team to conduct fact-finding sessions to assess talent skill gaps, suitable training providers, and availability of federal funding sources. Contact information for local Michigan Works! Service Centers can be found at michiganworks.org.
“Our Business Solutions teams across the state are working hard to meet with employers and get these applications finalized,” said Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works!. “Businesses interested in learning more should not delay! Reach out to your local Michigan Works! Agency and start building the training plan to meet your goals today.”
During the application period, Michigan Works! Agencies submit Talent Fund applications to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) on behalf of their partnering employer. New this year is a priority on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on providing grants for minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, Individual With A Disability (IWD) owned or a Geographically-Disadvantaged Business.
"Since the program's launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for more than 121,000 Michigan workers, supporting the needs of over 40,000 business, upskilling the workforce and contributing to the increase in post-secondary credentials supporting the Governor's Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “The increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion ensures underrepresented populations stay competitive and are provided opportunities to succeed. Diversification of our workforce brings new and innovative ideas to businesses which helps promote a stronger Michigan economy.”
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
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