GST MI Works! is awarded $3.1 million of the State of Michigan’s Going Pro Talent Fund

With an investment of $9,288,154, GST has assisted 253 employers with their Going Pro Talent needs since 2014.

Flint, Mich. – Employers receive competitive awards through the Going PRO Talent Fund to assist in training, developing, and retaining their employees.  As a result, Michigan’s employers can compete and grow, and individuals are equipped with the skills they need for in-demand jobs.  Training supported by the Going PRO Talent Fund expands and improves employees’ skills and enhances their opportunities for advancement within the company and for economic advancement.

Since 2014, employers have only had one chance per year to apply for the Going PRO Talent Fund. If employers were not lucky enough to be awarded, they had to wait an entire year to reapply. The State of Michigan scores all Going PRO applications to determine who will be awarded. Previously, employers’ scores were unknown, but starting in 2023, they will be included in the application.

“GST Michigan Works! Business Services Department works directly with our local employers to assist them with applying for the Going PRO Talent Fund and the overall management and oversight of the fund,” said Cindy Thornthwaite, GST MI Works! Business Services Manager. “In previous years, employers had one shot each year to apply and with any luck, receive a Going PRO Talent Fund award. We are so excited to announce that in 2023, employers have the unprecedented opportunity to apply again in Cycle 2!! This opportunity has never been available to our local employers before! If an employer completed a Cycle 1 application and were not awarded, or they simply were not ready to apply, they can now apply again in Cycle 2. Cycle 2 application period opens on May 1st and closes on May 22nd. Employers must register to attend an upcoming information session in April to learn about the program and the steps to apply.” Employers are encouraged to apply for the Cycle 2 Going Pro Talent Fund by visiting gstmiworks.org/goingproinfo. 

The GST MI Works! region approved 52 awards in cycle one (2023), which were issued as follows: Genesee County: awarded 22 awards totaling $1,864,992, Huron County: awarded six awards totaling $157,572; Sanilac County received eight awards totaling $356,777; Lapeer County received five awards totaling $138,010, Shiawassee County received eight awards totaling $103,310 and Tuscola County received four awards totaling $487,653.

“With the current climate, it’s important for our local employers to focus on retaining their current workforce, while enticing those new employees to stay,” said Thornthwaite.  “A perfect way to showcase your commitment to your employees, both current and new, is to invest in their training!  Through the Going PRO Talent Fund Awards, employers receive reimbursement for each approved and completed Going PRO Talent Fund training.  GST Michigan Works! Business Services is ready to assist all local employers and walk them through the process to make applying easy!”

Link to GST Going PRO Information page: www.gstmiworks.org/goingproinfo

GST MI Works! Going Pro Information Sessions:
April 10, Owosso Service Center 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
April 13, Marlette Service Center 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April 18, Flint Service Center- 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2023 Fiscal Year Cycle 1 Going Pro Training Fund Awards for the state of MI shorturl.at/GKMS3

GST Michigan Works! is one of sixteen (16) Michigan Works! agencies across the State of Michigan operating workforce development programs designed to assist employers with finding skilled workers and to help job seekers prepare for, find, and retain employment.

 

Media Contact:
Diona Pratt
810-358-1929
dpratt@gstmiworks.org