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Going PRO Talent Fund

Locating, training and retaining talent remains a top business challenge for manufacturers and the Going PRO Talent Fund has been a critical tool since 2014. More than $55 million is available to Michigan employers for Fiscal Year 2024, which extends from 10/1/23 to 9/30/24.

Since 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided more than $170 million to more than 5,000 Michigan employers with an average award amount of $32,499.

Two application cycles are available for the Fiscal Year 2024.  Cycle 1 has closed and Cycle 2 will run from 4/1/24 through 5/10/24.  Please note that awardees who received funds in Cycle 1 are not eligible to apply for Cycle 2 funding. Additionally, Cycle 2 applicants must have completed all training  and reporting obligations associated with last year’s Going PRO Talent Fund independent awards.

What is the Going PRO Talent Fund?

The Going PRO Talent Fund awards funds to employers for training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

MMA has fought hard since 2014 to secure an increasing pool of funding available through the Michigan’s vital Going PRO Talent Fund, a crucial resource of employer grants for talent solutions.

Eligible Training

Training programs funded by the Going PRO Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by Industry.

  • Classroom or Customized training
  • On-the-job Training for new employees
  • Apprenticeships for first-year US Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentices.
Reimbursement for Training
  • Up to $2,000 per person for classroom or customized training
  • Up to $2,000 per person for on-the-job training for new employees
  • Up to $3,500 per person for USDOL Registered Apprenticeships
How Does My Company Apply?

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awards funds to employers through Michigan’s workforce system, commonly known as the Michigan Works! network. Michigan Works! Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent and skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. Business Services staff then help employers to access the state’s online application system known as WBLOMS.

Independent Application Cycle 1 (Jan-Dec) Cycle 2 (July-June)
Application Period  Closed April 1, 2024
Public deadline for employers
to submit applications
Closed May 10, 2024
Training period January 1, 2024 –
December 31, 2024
July 1, 2024 –
June 30, 2025

 

Industry-led Collaborative (ILC)
Application Period  March 2024
Training Period  TBD
Industry-Led Collaboratives (ILCs)

An ILC brings together multiple employers (a minimum of two), education and training institutions, workforce development organizations, and other applicable partners to formulate training and education solutions to fill identified talent gaps. Successful ILCs solve a common or shared workforce problem.

*ILC applications (multiple companies applying together) closed in late May 2023 after funds were exhausted.

Contact MMA’s Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Bill Rayl to discuss how you can leverage the power of collaboration to increase your competitiveness while creating, training and filling in-demand jobs.

Check out these resources for more information:

Get More

Bill RaylBill Rayl
Executive Director of Workforce Solutions
Call 517-487-8513
E-mail rayl@mimfg.org

 

David Q. Worthams

David Q. Worthams
Director of Employment Policy
Call 517-487-8511
E-mail worthams@mimfg.org