83 businesses receive funding to support workforce training opportunities
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $3,802,326 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 83 businesses in the Lansing area. Businesses will use the funding to provide workforce training and development to new and existing employees starting in January 2025.
"The Going PRO Talent Fund provides Michiganders the opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers while empowering businesses to grow, innovate and compete in our fast-changing economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By fostering a stronger connection between workforce development and business needs, we’re building a Michigan where individuals and employers alike can thrive, creating lasting economic growth and opportunity for all."
The funding announcement is part of a larger announcement of nearly 700 businesses statewide receiving over $40 million in grants. The funding will support training 8,089 new hires and 14,692 current employees across the state. Since its launch in 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided workforce development opportunities by awarding 7,480 grants to support more than 220,000 Michigan workers.
“Strengthening our state’s workforce and training opportunities continues to be one of my top priorities as a legislator, and I am proud to see this funding directly benefit so many businesses across Greater Lansing,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony. “The $54.8 million we allocated in the 2025 budget to support the Going PRO Talent Fund will help equip businesses with the talent retention and training resources they need to thrive right here in Michigan. I look forward to seeing how these investments will continue building up our communities for years to come.”
“Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund is a game-changer for our workforce and economy,” said State Senator Sam Singh. “By equipping workers with in-demand skills, this program not only addresses emerging workforce needs but also fuels the growth of thriving industries like clean energy and advanced manufacturing. It’s a testament to our state’s commitment to investing in people, creating opportunities, and driving innovation that strengthens our communities and economy.”
This cycle of the Going PRO Talent Fund is aimed at addressing emerging workforce needs. Eligible training programs supported by the Going PRO Talent Fund include classroom training and on-the-job training for new employees and apprentices. The fund also supports upskilling and reskilling for existing employees, helping them adapt to new technologies and industry trends. The average cost to train one employee is $1,412.
“From automotive factories and mom-and-pop shops, businesses of all shapes and sizes and the Michiganders they employ play a hand in growing our economy and making Michigan a great place to live,” said State Representative Angela Witwer. “The Going PRO Talent Fund allows us to make critical investments in our workforce development that can be felt across communities.”
Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with their local Michigan Works! Agency and other partners to develop strategic training plans.
“Supporting in-demand skills training ensures Michigan’s workforce is equipped to meet the needs of employers and jobseekers across the state,” said Capital Area Michigan Works! CEO Carrie Rosingana. “As the workforce continues to evolve, access to targeted, needs-driven skills training will be essential to ensure workers have the expertise to further develop and thrive in today’s competitive job market. Investing in programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund fosters a stronger, more resilient economy across Michigan.”
Of the 22,781 Michiganders who will receive workforce training through this round of grants, nearly 4,000 are in Registered Apprenticeship programs. There are more than 21,600 active Registered Apprentices and over 800 unique programs in Michigan, making the state home to the sixth-highest number of active Registered Apprentices in the nation. With more than 520,000 jobs and 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades expected by 2030, the Going PRO Talent Fund is addressing skill gaps and preparing Michigan’s future workforce.
"The Going PRO Talent Fund transforms opportunities into success stories for both Michigan workers and businesses,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “It empowers employees to build in-demand skills that open doors to rewarding careers, help them secure financial stability, and provide greater opportunities for their families. By investing in people and their potential, this program drives progress, fosters growth and supports a thriving economy across Michigan."
A full list of Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 1 grant recipients for the 2025 fiscal year is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund. Additional funding will be available through the second cycle of Talent Fund awards which will open in Spring 2025.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a key part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, supporting the goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The 2023 Employment and Training Annual Report shows Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #2 in the nation for helping adults get employed.
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
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