Local Companies Awarded $2.7M in Training Grants to Bridge Gap for New and Existing Employees

January 21, 2021

The Workforce Development Board for Michigan Works! Southwest announces the award of Going PRO Talent Fund grants totaling $2,736,131.  The Going PRO Talent Fund creates and expands collaboration between Michigan Works! Agencies, economic development organizations, and educational agencies, by funding demand-driven technical training across a variety of industries. Michigan Works! Southwest assisted companies in assessing their skill gaps and applying for this funding, which will be used to train over 2,013 local residents at 43 companies.

Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to assist employers in enhancing the talent and productivity of current and newly hired employees while increasing employee retention and the competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. This year’s grant award will assist local employers in offering customizable, short-term trainings that meet employer technical skill requirements and address talent gaps.  The awards to companies who were assisted by Michigan Works! Southwest, are part of $39 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to employers throughout the state

“The Going PRO Talent Fund assists employers in organizational growth and the retention of their workforce by upskilling employees for essential positions through employer selected, qualified trainings. We appreciate the opportunity to assist them in the application and planning process and look forward to the opportunities that will be provided to the employees and employers in Southwest Michigan, because of the Going PRO Talent Fund,” said Ashley Iovieno, Business Services Manager for Michigan Works! Southwest. The companies, assisted by Michigan Works! Southwest, that received Going PRO Talent Fund grant awards include

  • American Axle & Manufacturing in Three Rivers;
  • Benteler Industries in Galesburg;
  • Bleistahl in Battle Creek;
  • Bronson Methodist Hospital (and affiliates) in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo;
  • Concept Molds in Schoolcraft;
  • Consumers Credit Union (Corporate) in Kalamazoo;
  • Cosma Casting Michigan in Battle Creek
  • Darkhorse Cargo, Inc. in White Pigeon;
  • Douglas Autotech Corporation in Bronson;
  • Duncan Aviation in Battle Creek;
  • Envirolite LLC in Coldwater;
  • Erbsloeh Aluminum Solutions, Inc. in Portage;
  • GMK Services, Inc. in Portage;
  • C. Starck in Coldwater;
  • Hi-Tech Electric Company in Portage;
  • I I Stanley in Battle Creek;
  • Kadant Johnson LLC in Three Rivers;
  • Mall City Mechanical in Kalamazoo;
  • Marshall Excelsior Company in Marshall;
  • Micro-LAM, Inc. in Portage;
  • Modineer in Niles;
  • Morgan Olson Manufacturing Facility in Sturgis;
  • National Flavors in Kalamazoo;
  • Ox Engineered Products in Constantine;
  • Ox Industries in White Pigeon;
  • Parker – Hannifin in Kalamazoo, Mason, and Otsego;
  • Pfizer in Kalamazoo;
  • Post Consumer Brands in Battle Creek;
  • Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. in Battle Creek;
  • Right at Home in Kalamazoo;
  • Schley Nelson Architects – Oshtemo Office in Kalamazoo;
  • Schupan Aluminum and Plastic Sales in Kalamazoo;
  • Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. in Albion, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo;
  • Sigma in Kalamazoo;
  • TC Transcontinental in Battle Creek;
  • Team 1 Plastics in Albion;
  • Triple J Inc, dba J & J Sheet Metal of Michigan in East Leroy;
  • WL Molding in Portage;
  • XL Machine Company in Three Rivers; and
  • YWCA in Kalamazoo

“These Going PRO Talent Fund awards provide a tremendous opportunity for employers to meet their talent needs, as well as provide tools and resources that will be critical to post-pandemic recovery,” stated Iovieno.

Companies interested in more information regarding available training options, including the Going PRO Talent Fund, should contact Ashley Iovieno iovieno@upjohn.org at Michigan Works! Southwest.