The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) is a Michigan state initiative aimed at helping employers train, develop, and retain current and new employees. Funded by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development (LEO-WD), grants are distributed to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). The training programs supported must address skill gaps in Michigan’s workforce and result in industry-recognized credentials that are transferable across sectors.
Key Objectives:
- To upskill employees through short-term training programs.
- To improve the competitiveness of Michigan employers by addressing the talent needs in critical industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
- To promote apprenticeships, on-the-job training (OJT), and classroom-based training.
Application Process
- Employers must apply through a local MWA, which conducts fact-finding sessions to assess the employer’s skill gaps and need for funding.
- Applications are submitted through the Work-Based Learning Online Management System (WBLOMS) and are evaluated by LEO-WD.
- Employers are required to have a physical presence in Michigan and comply with state tax obligations.
- New and current employees must be permanent, full-time, and 18 years or older, with taxes paid to the state of Michigan(Going-PRO-Talent-Fund)(Going-PRO-Talent-Fund_F…)(FY24 Going PRO Talent F…).
Eligible Training Programs
The Talent Fund supports various types of short-term training, which should result in recognized credentials:
- Classroom or Customized Training (CRT): Up to $2,000 per person for skill-based courses.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Also up to $2,000 per person, specifically designed for new hires.
- USDOL Registered Apprenticeships: Reimbursed up to $3,500 per apprentice from their first year through completion(Going-PRO-Talent-Fund_F…)(FY23 Employer Going PRO…) .
Targeted Populations and Incentives
In an effort to broaden workforce participation, employers are incentivized to hire and train individuals from the following targeted populations:
- Veterans, active military reservists
- Older workers
- Justice-involved citizens
- Individuals with disabilities
- Public assistance recipients
- Employees with a high school diploma or equivalency
Employers can receive an additional $500 per trainee from these populations or $1,000 for high school diploma/equivalency holders(FY23 Employer Going PRO…) .
Key Updates for FY24
- DEI Criteria: Points are awarded to employers who demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, including businesses owned by minorities, women, or veterans.
- Sector Prioritization: Additional points are given for applications in high-priority sectors such as electric vehicles, mobility, and infrastructure .
- Scoring and Competitive Funding: Independent applications are scored based on factors like wage rates, sector relevance, and partnerships with educational institutions. The average award in previous years was around $32,500(FY24 Going PRO Talent F…)(FY23 Employer Going PRO…).
- Apprenticeship Prioritization: Employers with USDOL Registered Apprenticeships receive additional points based on the number of apprentices trained .
Important Notes
- Reimbursement: All training is reimbursed after completion. The Talent Fund does not cover training that has occurred before the application is awarded.
- Training Duration: Generally, no training should exceed six months, except for apprenticeships. Training, including the 90-day retention period, must be completed within one year of the award date(Going-PRO-Talent-Fund)(FY24 Going PRO Talent F…).
- Documentation: Employers are responsible for reporting employee retention rates, wages, and training outcomes post-training(FY24 Going PRO Talent F…).
Employer and Training Provider Expectations
Employers must:
- Engage with MWAs to identify talent gaps.
- Pay wages equal to or above the regional median wage.
- Retain employees for at least 90 days post-training to be eligible for full reimbursement(FY24 Going PRO Talent F…). Eligible training providers include:
- Community colleges
- Private and public universities
- Labor unions and approved proprietary schools (FY23 Employer Going PRO…).
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