Michigan Works! Southeast will receive more than $2.3+ million from the Michigan Talent Investment agency to train workers at 67 companies in the region. Collectively, the 67 companies will train 1,845 employees, which includes 265 new hires and 222 United States Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.

The grant awards are part of the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund (formerly STTF), which is now in its sixth year. The Fund provides competitive awards for training that enhances talent, productivity and employee retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. It ensures that employers have the talent they need to compete and grow nationally and globally, and that people have the in-demand skills they need for good jobs.

“We are pleased that our business services team was able to help so many companies apply for and receive the grant funds,” said William Sleight, Director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “The training will help workers gain new skills so that the companies can thrive in today’s global market,” he said.

Jim Coutu, Business Services Manager for Michigan Works! Southeast says that staff will be working closely with these companies in the next few months to ensure that the companies achieve their training goals. “These grants help both new and existing employees at these companies gain the skills they need to perform their jobs effectively,” Coutu said. “We are excited to help increase the number of registered apprenticeships in our region through this grant,” said Coutu.

This collaboration was made possible through our valued partnerships with our local economic developers Ann Arbor SPARK, Hillsdale Economic Development Partnership, The Enterprise Group of Jackson and Lenawee NOW.

“We’re pleased to work as partners with Michigan Works! Southeast to help connect companies in Livingston and Washtenaw counties to access to talent opportunities like the Going PRO training fund,” said Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president. “In a tight job market, these funds are critical to help growing companies scale their existing talent and help train new team members as well.”

Washtenaw County Award Recipients (Total: $609,333)
  • Akervall Technologies, Inc.
  • Ashcom Technologies
  • Avomeen Analytical, LLC.
  • CEI Composite Materials, LLC.
  • Dusty Whitney Automotive Group
  • Gudel, Inc.
  • Kyocera Unimerco Tooling, Inc.
  • Leon Hand-Crafted Speakers, Inc.
  • Logic Quantum, LLC.
  • Logic Solutions, Inc.
  • Navitas Advanced Solutions Group, LLC.
  • Pollard Banknote
  • Quantum Signal, LLC
  • Sensors, Inc.
  • SimuQuest
  • UIS SCADA, Inc.
  • Zero Hour Parts (Spot Design)
  • A.F. Smith Electric
  • Huron Valley Electric
  • Matrinrea International, Inc.
  • Tri-County Electric
  • Turner Electric
Livingston County Award Recipients (Total: $97,672)
  • Boss Engineering
  • Almetals, Inc.
  • CRW Plastics USA, Inc.
  • Fortech Products
  • GKI Foods, LLC.
  • Koppert Biological Systems, Inc.
  • Rex Materials, Inc.
  • Trilogy – The Willows at Howell
  • Unified Industries, Inc.

Michigan Works! Southeast engages employers and job seekers in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw Counties to develop today’s workforce and tomorrow’s economy. The agency is part of the statewide Michigan Works! System.

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Source: SPARK