$2.7 million in a Going Pro Talent Fund grant has been awarded to Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, Van Buren to help 63 southwest Michigan businesses train their employees. Michigan Works Director of Business Services Mark O’Reilly tells WSJM News the state’s Going Pro Fund gives out yearly grants for job training. They’re sought by the businesses and Michigan Works facilitates the program. O’Reilly says local businesses had a variety of training needs in the past year.
“We saw a real growth in the training needs this year for some of our companies,” O’Reilly said. “When I think about what kind of training they’re looking at, supervisory skills was a really big need for some of our local manufacturers because they’re promoting some of their individuals. They’re growing, they’re promoting individuals into new position, and they want to give them the skill set in order to be able to manage a team.”
The grants could also be used for welding certifications, machining, and skilled trades, among other things.
“Each company basically undertakes the training, undertakes the new hires, and then they get reimbursed for the cost.”
O’Reilly says Going pro grants are often helpful to manufacturers, but all kinds of businesses can receive funds. Michigan Works will work with training providers, like the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Lake Michigan College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Southwestern Michigan College to deliver the training.
