For Fiscal Year 2025 Cycle 2, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) gave $16 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 297 businesses. These grants will help train almost 8,000 Michigan workers, with $661,366 going to 22 businesses in the Upper Peninsula. The U.P. investment will help train 112 new hires and 202 current workers for skilled jobs that are in high demand.
Since its start in 2014, the program has helped more than 7,400 businesses and trained about 225,000 workers in Michigan. The Going PRO Talent Fund supports a range of employer-driven training programs, such as classroom instruction, training on the job for new employees, and apprenticeships that lead to credentials recognized by the industry. When workers get training through the Talent Fund, their hourly wage goes up by an average of 7.2%.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a great example of how we’re putting money into people and the economy of Michigan in the future,” said Susan Corbin, director of LEO. “We’re making real opportunities available in every part of the state by helping people get training that leads to safe, well-paying jobs and by helping businesses find the talent they need to grow.”
The Going PRO Talent Fund supports the goals of Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan, which are to increase job opportunities, make the state’s workforce stronger, and help businesses. Because Governor Whitmer knew that the program would continue to have an effect, she included $54.8 million in her executive budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2026 to keep these job training grants going for new and current workers in high-demand skilled trades fields.
I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life and worked as a farmer. I’ve seen firsthand how the Going PRO Talent Fund helps people get real skills and good-paying jobs without having to leave the state, said State Senator Ed McBroom. “This program helps businesses grow, families stay together, and our local economy do well, because when our people do well, the whole region does well too.”
The Going PRO Talent Fund helps short-term training programs run by employers that lead to industry-recognized credentials. These programs include classroom instruction, training on the job, and Registered Apprenticeships. Almost 1,800 Michiganders in Registered Apprenticeship programs will be helped by this cycle alone. With more than 22,000 participants and more than 850 different programs, Michigan has the fourth most active Registered Apprentices in the country.
“A strong and skilled workforce is important for Michigan’s economy, and the Going PRO Talent Fund is still one of our best ways to meet that need,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “This program gives workers the chance to find meaningful work and gives companies the workers they need to grow and change.”
Small businesses in Michigan are still getting help from the creative training grant program. 86% (258) of the 297 businesses that received awards are small businesses with less than 500 employees. In fact, 58% (172) of all businesses that received funding have less than 100 employees. A lot of the people who were successful in cycle 2 got their first Talent Fund award in the last six grant cycles.
Employers that got grants this cycle work in a wide range of industries in Michigan, such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and clean energy. Businesses that are taking part are using the money to help workers get better skills, use new technologies, and stay with the company in a tough job market.
Michigan Works! agencies work together to give grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund. Employers should work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to figure out what training they need most and how to make custom plans to fill gaps in the workforce. All training programs must lead to credentials that are recognized by the industry and make it easier for workers to move around and be flexible.
Debb Brunell, CEO of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW), said, “The Going PRO Talent Fund gives employers the tools they need to improve their workforce, increase productivity, and invest in long-term growth.” “We’re proud to work with companies all over our region to improve the training programs that help their companies grow and give their employees the skills they need to do well and advance in their careers.” UPMW is excited to keep working on this and meet the needs of businesses in the area.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is an important part of LEO’s larger All-Access Michigan plan to remove barriers and give businesses and workers alike chances. According to research, Michigan helps more people find jobs than any other state in the Midwest and is the third best state in the country at doing so.
