Michigan Works! West Central recently announced that more than $263,660 in training funding is being awarded to six local employers to train 128 local workers through the bi-annual Going PRO Talent Fund.

The Going PRO Talent Fund is a competitive program designed to help employers develop, train and retain new and existing employees. Businesses can receive up to $2,000 per employee for training assistance and as much as $3,500 for each U.S. Department of Labor registered apprentice.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a vital resource that empowers businesses to invest in their teams while helping employees gain in-demand skills for rewarding careers," said Shelly Keene, Executive Director at Michigan Works! West Central. “By connecting workforce development with business needs, we strengthen local companies, boost retention and build a more competitive economy. Our Business Services team has again gone above and beyond to connect these critical training funds with local employers to enhance our local workforce and provide greater opportunities for local families.”

Statewide, 449 businesses are being awarded $25 million to train more than 8,650 Michigan workers, including nearly 3,100 USDOL registered apprentices. Winners of the fiscal year 2026 Cycle I awards were announced Dec. 16, by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

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)
• Mecosta County (Huntey’s Clubhouse and Gro Childcare Academy)
• Newaygo County (Magna Mirrors and Nestle-Gerber Products)
• Osceola County (Midwest Yogurt Inc. and Reed City Group)

Since Going PRO Talent Fund (formerly the Skilled Trades Training Fund) began in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure nearly $5.85 million to train more than 7,160 workers at 69 different employers in the region, including 281 USDOL registered apprentices.

Statewide, more than $323 million has been awarded through nearly 9,000 awards since the program’s inception (no awards were granted in 2020 due to the pandemic), providing training to more than 241,000 Michiganders.

“Going PRO is all about empowering Michiganders and helping our businesses grow," said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “These grants help workers gain the skills they need for good-paying, life-changing careers. When we invest in people, we see their confidence and abilities grow. This strengthens our local businesses, families, communities and Michigan’s entire economy.”

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.

A complete list of the 2026 Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle I award winners can be found at Michigan.gov/TalentFund.