Stephanie Beckhorn

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded $661,366 to 22 businesses in the Upper Peninsula, a part of the $16 million awarded in Fiscal Year 2025 Cycle 2 Going PRO Talent Fund grants going to to 297 businesses to support the training of nearly 8,000 Michigan workers. The U.P. investment will support the training of 112 new hires and 202 current employees in high-demand, skilled positions.

“We partner directly with the Upper Peninsula Work Agency (UP Michigan Works!) Businesses who want to apply should pick up the phone or go see their Michigan Works team,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “They are the ones that submit the application to the State. In midsummer they will start doing training, it doesn’t hurt to connect with your Michigan Works today. There are other benefits from Michigan Works other than just going Pro. This program also directly benefits the worker, the short term training happens right away but 6 months after the training the employee usually sees a 17% increase in wages. It helps the company, worker and the community.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently approved sending $55 million to LEO for their Going PRO program due to the rapid economic impact it has created. The program used to see awards divided out in one cycle but moved to two to fit the needs of Michiganders.

“At one point we only did one cycle but we increased it, said Corbin. “Completely based on what the businesses need. We really pride ourselves on listening to the businesses.”

The majority of businesses who are receiving these grants are small businesses, who tend to be those that need the money the most Corbin said. Small businesses make up the majority of rural economy and tend to have less resources than big corporate chains, and Going PRO has shown to be a large benefit to these small businesses.

“Thats the great thing about going Pro, we are almost 14 years in and this program shows we really benefit small businesses who are the major recipients of Going PRO,” Corbin said. “Eighty percent of the businesses we help are small. There is diversity, we’ve got manufacturing, we’ve got Health Care, there are wider industries that are getting these awards. The employer just needs to document that there is a demand right now and they need skill upgrading or they would hire new employees with training to help improve productivity.”

The Going PRO program has been operating since 2014 and in that time have provided training for approximately 225,000 Michigan workers and supported more than 7,400 businesses. Going PRO Talent Fund covers a variety of employer-driven training programs, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training for new employees and apprenticeships that lead to industry-recognized credentials.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a powerful example of how we’re investing in people and the future of Michigan’s economy,” said Corbin. “By connecting workers to training that leads to good-paying, secure jobs and helping businesses develop the talent they need to grow, we’re creating real opportunity across every region of the state.”

The Going PRO Talent Fund directly aligns with the goals of Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan to expand career opportunities, strengthen Michigan’s workforce, and support employers. Recognizing the program’s ongoing impact, Gov. Whitmer included $54.8 million in her Fiscal Year 2026 executive budget recommendation to continue these job training grants for current and new employees in high-demand, skilled trades industries.

“As a lifelong resident and farmer, I’ve seen how the Going PRO Talent Fund gives people the chance to learn real skills and land good-paying jobs without leaving Michigan,” said State Senator Ed McBroom. “This program helps families stay together, businesses grow and our local economy thrive because when our people succeed, the whole region rises with them.”

The Going PRO Talent Fund supports short-term, employer-driven training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials ranging from classroom instruction to on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships. This cycle alone will support nearly 1,800 Michiganders enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship programs. Michigan is home to the fourth-highest number of active Registered Apprentices in the nation, with more than 22,000 participants and over 850 unique programs.

“Michigan’s economy relies on a strong and skilled workforce, and the Going PRO Talent Fund remains one of our most effective tools to meet that need,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “This program opens doors for workers to secure meaningful careers and provides businesses with the talent they need to grow and adapt.”

The innovative training grant program continues to benefit Michigan small businesses. Of the 297 award recipients, 86% (258) are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees – and 58% (172) of all businesses receiving funding have fewer than 100 employees. More than half of all successful cycle 2 applicants are receiving their first Talent Fund award in the last six grant cycles.

Employers who received grants in this cycle represent a diverse cross-section of Michigan’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction and clean energy. Participating businesses are using the funds to upskill employees, implement new technologies and retain workers in a competitive labor market.

Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! agencies. Employers are encouraged to work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to identify key training needs and develop customized plans to fill workforce gaps. All training programs must result in industry-recognized credentials that enhance workforce mobility and flexibility.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund empowers employers to strengthen their workforce, boost productivity, and invest in long-term growth,” said Debb Brunell, chief executive officer at Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!. “We’re proud to partner with businesses across our region to support the high-quality training opportunities that not only move their organizations forward, but also equip employees with the skills to succeed and grow in their careers. UPMW looks forward to continuing this effort and meeting the needs of regional companies.”

The Going PRO Talent Fund is a key part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunities for businesses and workers alike. Research shows Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #3 in the nation for helping adults get employed.

“I have the honor of leading the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and I mean that,” Corbin said. “It changes lives. We here at LEO do change lives. It makes it easy to get up in the morning knowing you are going to break financial barriers and get training to help the businesses in Michigan to stay and grow here.”

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, its impact and the full list of awardees, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.