Applications for cycle 1 of Going PRO Talent Fund open on Oct. 9

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan employers looking to take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund program will be able to apply for a share of approximately $50 million in competitive training awards over the course of two application cycles starting Monday, October 9. These dollars help grow Michigan’s workforce and support residents’ access to good-paying, in-demand jobs.

Going PRO Talent Fund helps ensure employers have the talent they need to grow and stay competitive by providing awards to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Since the program’s launch, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for approximately 175,000 Michigan workers and supported the needs of more than 6,000 businesses.

“The training costs covered by the Going PRO Talent Fund allow Michigan businesses to stay competitive in today’s global economy by ensuring their workforce gains the skillset their business needs,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director. “These trainings also provide workers with postsecondary credentials and contribute to Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal.”

Going PRO Talent Fund helps local businesses secure the in-demand, high-skill talent they need to grow while giving local workers a clear path to high-wage careers that offer a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

“Workers impacted by the Going PRO Talent Fund awards have seen an average of 9% pay increase after completing their training,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “This program not only helps businesses stay competitive, but also helps workers earn a higher wage to provide a better life for themselves and their families.”

Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded to employers through the Michigan Works! network (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs and working with their local MWAs and other partners to develop an appropriate training plan. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a transferable, industry-recognized credential.

"The Going PRO Talent Fund is a critical and important program that provides employers with the opportunity to train both new and existing members of their company,” said Carrie Rosingana, Capital Area Michigan Works! Chief Executive Officer. “The investments in the people that work within these organizations support continued growth in the industries they represent and help ensure that Michiganders remain up-to-date on necessary skills to be competitive in today's workforce."

Among other responsibilities, employers who apply for Going PRO Talent Funds are expected to participate in the planning and designing of the training project and use Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) and their local MWAs to recruit for job openings. 

Businesses interested in learning more or applying for funding should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Contact information may be found at Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

The application period for the first award cycle ends Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and selected applicants will be announced in December 2023. The second application cycle will open spring 2024.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

The Governor’s Sixty by 30 program aims to help 60% of working-age Michiganders achieve a certificate or postsecondary degree by 2030. Find out more at Sixtyby30.org.

###