Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured a $2.5 million in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 33 local employers enhance their workforce.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a competitive grant that provides funds to local companies for training, developing, and in some cases retaining employees. There are many training programs eligible for funding, including classroom training, which prepares individuals with the skill set required to meet the employer’s needs and diversify the skill sets of current employees. In addition, employers can also receive onsite job training reimbursement for wages paid while training a new or existing employee on a new process. Apprenticeships are also supported through Going PRO funds.
“Going PRO funds are critical for ensuring we have a skilled workforce and that our employers remain competitive,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “The funding supplements the costs for more than 1,450 new workers, incumbent workers and apprentices to upgrade their skills in high demand industries that keep southwest Michigan running.”
In collaboration with Michigan Works!, employer will work with training providers, such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MTTC), Lake Michigan College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Southwestern Michigan College to deliver the training resulting from the grants.
In 2022 through the Going PRO fund, 64 companies in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties were awarded funds to hire and train 2,102 employees. There were nine different sectors to receive the funding. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren was awarded a total of $2.5 million funds. The average amount of money awarded to regional employers was $39,717.
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, is one of the family or organizations of Kinexus Group. President and CEO, Todd Gustafson shared his appreciation for the grant, “Going PRO has been a staple for employers in our region and around the state for many years, arming them with the funding to upskill and train their current staff and attract others. This is a big win for Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren companies who are ready to stay in southwest Michigan and continue growing.”
Michigan Works! has additional resources to help existing companies develop trainings, support growth and hiring needs, and retain employees. The second cycle of Going PRO Talent Fund grant applications will be available beginning in May 2023. Employers are encouraged to reach out to Berrien County Business Solutions Manager, Michael Mompremier at MompremierM@miworks.org or Cass and Van Buren Business Solutions Manager, Jennifer Leich at LeichJ@miworks.org to start the application process.
Michigan Works! of Berrien, Cass, Van specializes in educating, training, and employing individuals of all ages. We work with local businesses to find out what keeps them up at night and help them tackle the most pressing challenges they may face, including attracting and retaining talent. For more information, visit miworks.org.
