Going PRO Talent Fund
Michigan’s manufacturing industry continues to experience a significant talent shortage in hiring and promoting qualified employees. One tool that the State of Michigan offers to help close this skills gap and support business growth is the Going PRO Talent Fund (formerly known as the Skilled Trades Training Fund). This fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training should also lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry.
The funds are awarded to employers through their local Michigan Works! Agency (MWA). MWA staff will conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers, and availability of federal funding sources. The MWA staff determines whether the employer is eligible to apply and will provide an application to be submitted to the State.
The funds pool is limited, so this is a competitive based award. Applications are scored by many factors, including rationale and business needs, including a preference for small businesses under 100 employees. The average award for 2018 was $34,134 or $1,142 per trained employee.
The application period for the 2019 award year opens September 12, 2018 and closes October 3, 2018. If this is something that could apply to your business, be sure to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
For more information, including eligible training, go to www.michigan.gov/talentfund or contact your local MWA.