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BIG RAPIDS – Michigan Works West Central announced more than $506,700 in training funding is being awarded to 14 local companies to train more than 1,750 employees.
Five Mason County businesses — Hardman Construction, Leta’s Educational Childcare LLC, Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration, Quick Way of Ludington and Safety Decals Inc. — are among those companies.
The funds are being awarded through the Going PRO Talent Fund, which offers fall and spring application cycles each year, according to a Michigan Works press release.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a competitive funding program that helps employers train, develop, and retain current and new employees. Employers can apply for up to $2,000 in training funding assistance per employee, and up to $3,500 per US Department of Labor registered apprentice.
Statewide, 697 businesses are being awarded a total of $42.7 million to train about 22,780 current and new employees, including about 4,000 USDOL registered apprentices. Winners of the fiscal year 2025 Cycle I award period were announced Dec. 4, by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is one of the most important tools we have to help local businesses offer training to their employees,” said Executive Director at Michigan Works West Central Shelly Keene. “When companies invest in their teams through Going PRO, it increases employee retention, builds a stronger economy and makes our local businesses more competitive. It also helps employees gain in-demand skills that can lead to rewarding careers, financial stability and provide greater opportunities for their families.”
Companies applied for funding this past fall with the help of Michigan Works West Central’s Business Services team. The following companies are being awarded funds to train their staff beginning in January:
Mason County
- Hardman Construction
- Leta’s Educational Childcare LLC
- Pro-Master Cleaning & Restoration
- Quick Way of Ludington
- Safety Decals Inc.
Oceana County
- Michigan Freeze Pack
- OPC Arbre Farms LLC
Mecosta County
- Altercare of Big Rapids
- Haworth Components
Newaygo County
- Magna Mirrors
Osceola County
- Gerber Construction
- Northern Precision Products LLC
- Reed City Group
- Yoplait
Since the Going PRO Talent Fund (formerly the Skilled Trades Training Fund) began in 2014, Michigan Works West Central helped secure more than $5.4 million to train more than 6,900 workers at 66 different employers in the region, including 237 USDOL registered apprentices. Statewide, 7,480 grants have been awarded through the program in the past decade (no awards were granted in 2020 due to the pandemic), providing training to more than 220,000 Michiganders.
The Going PRO Talent Fund aligns with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60 percent by 2030.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund provides Michiganders the opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers while empowering businesses to grow, innovate and compete in our fast-changing economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By fostering a stronger connection between workforce development and business needs, we’re building a Michigan where individuals and employers alike can thrive, creating lasting economic growth and opportunity for all.”
A complete list of the Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle I award winners can be found at Michigan.gov/TalentFund. Employers interested in submitting an application in the upcoming FY25 Cycle II Going PRO Talent Fund application period, should reach out to the Business Services team at Michigan Works West Central at MWWC.org/GoingPRO.
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