Image courtesy of Labor and Economic Opportunity
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $42.7 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 697 businesses. Starting January 2025, the program aims to train over 22,000 workers statewide, including 8,089 new hires, a significant boost to Michigan’s workforce development efforts.
LEO Director Susan Corbin highlighted the Going PRO Talent Fund, which provides Michiganders with the opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers while empowering businesses to grow, innovate, and compete in our fast-changing economy.
“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,” Corbin said.
The current cycle of the Going PRO Talent Fund focuses on addressing the evolving needs of the workforce. This initiative is designed to support various eligible training programs tailored to enhance employee skills and capabilities in a rapidly changing job market.
These programs include comprehensive classroom training that provides employees with theoretical knowledge and foundational skills, as well as practical on-the-job training for newly hired personnel and registered apprentices. This hands-on experience is crucial for integrating new employees into their roles effectively and ensuring they have the skills necessary to succeed.
In addition to training for new hires, the Going PRO Talent Fund is dedicated to facilitating training of existing employees. This aspect of the fund is important as it helps current workers adapt to the latest technologies, industry innovations, and market trends, allowing businesses to maintain a competitive edge. By investing in the continuous development of their workforce, organizations can ensure that their employees are well-equipped to meet the demands of the future.
The average cost to train one employee is $1,412. 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.
Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, pointed out that The Going PRO Talent Fund transforms opportunities into success stories for Michigan workers and businesses.
“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,” Beckhorn said.
“By investing in people and their potential, this program drives progress, fosters growth and supports a thriving economy across Michigan.”
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.
Dana Williams, President and CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, said that every year, she and her team work with dozens of Detroit employers to get them access to the supportive funding that Going PRO provides.
“Whether the training helps to grow new talent or upskill existing employees, hundreds of Detroiters at businesses serving a wide range of industries have been able to take their careers to the next level with Going PRO,” Williams said.
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.
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.
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/AllAccess.
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