LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced that applications are now open for approximately $16 million in state grants aimed at supporting employee training and professional development. The funding is part of the second cycle of this year’s Going Pro Talent Fund, which is designed to assist businesses in enhancing the skills of their workforce.
The Going Pro Talent Fund provides businesses with the necessary resources to train both current and newly hired employees, with a focus on short-term training that addresses specific needs within the organization. Additionally, the training must result in industry-recognized credentials that equip workers with transferable skills.
Stephanie Beckhorn, the deputy director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, emphasized the importance of the fund, stating, “Michigan’s economy relies on a strong and skilled workforce, and the Going PRO Talent Fund is one of the most effective tools we have to support both workers and businesses.”
Since its launch in 2014, the Going Pro Talent Fund has successfully trained more than 15,000 workers and supported over 7,100 businesses throughout the state. These workers have seen an average hourly wage increase of 7.2%, underscoring the fund’s impact on both individual workers and Michigan’s broader economy.
The application window for the grants will close at 5 p.m. on May 2. Michigan businesses interested in applying can seek assistance through their local Michigan Works! center, which provides guidance throughout the application process.
As the state continues to recover and grow its workforce, the Going Pro Talent Fund remains a vital resource for companies looking to invest in their employees’ development while strengthening Michigan’s overall economic outlook.
