49 employers awarded $4.1 million in state training funds to upskill workers

PeopleArt

Jun 26

49 employers across West Michigan have been awarded a combined total of $4.1 million through Cycle 2 of the Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund. Cycle 2 funding for the fiscal year 2025 will support training for nearly 2,000 workers, including 1,255 new hires, 301 apprentices, and 411 incumbent workers.

Financed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Going PRO Talent Fund helps private employers train, develop and retain current and newly hired employees. The program supports short-term, customized training that leads to industry-recognized credentials, improved retention and expanded career pathways.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a crucial resource for West Michigan employers who are committed to upskilling their workforce and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy,” said Jacob Maas, chief executive officer, West Michigan Works!. “These investments help businesses meet immediate talent needs and strengthen our region’s long-term economic resilience by creating opportunities for individuals to grow in high-demand careers.”

Since its launch, the Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded hundreds of millions in competitive grants to Michigan employers.

The Going PRO Talent Fund reimburses employers up to $2,000 per employee for classroom and customized training and up to $3,500 annually for each participant in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship. Additional incentives are available for training veterans, older workers, individuals with disabilities, justice-involved individuals and public assistance recipients.

West Michigan Works! partners with employers throughout the application process, offering hands-on support and guidance to ensure a strong submission.

“Our team brings deep expertise in workforce development and provides hands-on support throughout the entire application process,” Maas said. “We’re here to ensure employers have the guidance and tools they need to make the most of this investment in their people.”

To be eligible, applicants must be private, Michigan-based employers in good standing with the state. Both nonprofit and for-profit entities are eligible, provided trainees are on payroll and work primarily in Michigan. Contractors, interns, and seasonal workers do not qualify.

West Michigan Works! encourages employers interested in future rounds of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to contact its Business Solutions team for personalized assistance. Applications for Cycle 1 of the 2026 Going PRO Talent Fund will open in Fall 2025. For more information about the Going Pro Talent Fund and its requirements, visit: https://www.westmiworks.org/employers/going-pro-talent-fund/.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners