Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured a $2.7 million competitive grant from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 64 local employers enhance their workforce.
The Going PRO Talent Fund allows employers to apply for funds to train new and existing employees. There are many training programs eligible for funding, including classroom training, which prepares individuals with the skill set required to meet the employer’s needs and diversify the skill sets of current employees. In addition, employers can also receive onsite job training reimbursement for wages paid while training a new or existing employee on a new process. Apprenticeships are also supported through Going PRO funds.
“Going PRO funds are critical to keep our local employers competitive and growing,” said Lily Brewer, Executive Director of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “The funding supplements the costs for more than 2,100 new workers, incumbent workers and apprentices to upgrade their skills in manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and other related trainings, allowing our high demand industries to flourish despite the challenges of the pandemic.”
Michigan Works! will work with training providers, such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MTTC), Lake Michigan College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Southwestern Michigan College to deliver the training resulting from the grants.
Of the 45 companies that submitted a grant application, CHT USA has been awarded funds to train their team and agreed that the funds couldn’t have come at a better time. “As an employer, this is something that you can’t put a price on. Training enhances not only our workforce, but it also helps our team know they are valued and we want to invest in them,” said Melanie Hunsberger, Employee Engagement Coordinator from CHT USA in Cassopolis. “We are excited to partner with Michigan Works! to train and upskill our team so that we meet our customer needs in the coming months.”
In 2021, 56 companies in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties were awarded funds to hire and train 1,725 employees. There were eight different sectors supported with the funds. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren was awarded $1.97 million. The average amount of money awarded to regional employers was $35,178.
Michigan Works! has additional resources to help existing companies develop trainings, support growth and hiring needs, and retain employees. Additional grants may become available throughout the year. Employers in Berrien County are encouraged to contact Berrien County Business Account Manager Paul Brohman at BrohmanP@miworks.org. Cass and Van Buren County Businesses are encouraged to reach out to Director of Business Solutions, Mark O’Reilly at OreillyM@miworks.org.
For more information about Going PRO, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
