$2.9 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants have been secured for southwest Michigan employers by Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
Michigan Works Business Solutions Director Mark O’Reilly tells us Going Pro provides grants for employers to train their workers. Michigan Works serves as the administrator for the grants for businesses locally.
“It’s a really exciting tool for many of our employers, particularly in this region in the sectors of manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and IT,” O’Reilly said.
O’Reilly says 39 southwest Michigan employers will receive support with the $2.9 million announced Thursday. The program has been around about ten years.
“It’s really been a very successful program for the region. On average, I would say each grant cycle probably involves anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 employees in total.”
This time around the Going Pro dollars will help train about 1,700 workers.
In collaboration with Michigan Works, employers will work with training providers like the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Lake Michigan College, and Southwestern Michigan College in the coming year to ensure their workers have the skills they need.
O’Reilly says any businesses interested in learning about Going Pro should contact Michigan Works.
