Going PRO Talent Fund: Supporting Michigan Workforce Development in 2021

BY: DAVE NELSON

Last week we published a blog about workforce engagement and the employee experience, emphasizing the importance of employee growth and development. Building a relevant, effective training plan is key to developing all employees, regardless of their role or level within the organization. Manufacturers seeking additional funding and support for their training initiatives can find it through the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Michigan Works!, an established partner in developing Michigan’s economic future, created the Going PRO Talent Fund to provide our state’s businesses with the talent and training they need to compete and grow. This competitive funding program aims to enhance talent, productivity and employee retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses.

There is $27M available in the fund to support training in the 2021 calendar year. Any Michigan employer with a need for skill enhancement may be eligible to apply for funding. To begin the application process, a local Michigan Works! representative conducts a fact-finding meeting to assess your talent gaps and determine if Going PRO funding would be an appropriate solution. From there, a necessary training plan is developed before finding available funding and resources.

A wide variety of training is supported by Going PRO, with one requirement being the employee must receive a certificate/certification that is recognizable in the industry and from a certified training person or organization. For those in need of training specific to manufacturing practices and processes, The Center provides many courses that qualify for Going PRO support, including:

• Manufacturing Skills Development – This training is designed for students who are either new to the manufacturing environment or need a more thorough understanding of manufacturing. Topics cover Quality Management Systems, Problem-Solving Skills, Lean Manufacturing and Culture & Motivation.
• Understanding Lean Principles & Techniques 4.0 – This course demonstrates how Lean can be applied to an organization to maximize customer value, minimize waste and reduce costs.
• Building Your Employee Experience – In this class, participants examine an employee experience framework and build a unique plan to cultivate a stronger employer brand, improve employee engagement and enable improved business results.
• Food Processing Skills Development – Participants learn about the Food Safety Modernization Act, as well as how to identify and control hazards that impact their food safety plan. Lean culture, 5S, the eight types of waste and problem-solving skills are addressed.
• Practical Approach to Project Management Using Smartsheet – This course focuses on the discipline of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.

View a complete list of The Center’s 2021 Certificate Course Catalog here.

The application period for 2021 funding begins November 2, 2020 and ends November 30, 2020. Companies will be informed on whether they received the grant by February 1, 2021. For assistance with the application process, or to learn more about our eligible Going PRO training options, contact us at inquiry@the-center.org.


MEET OUR EXPERT

Dave Nelson, Senior Business Solutions Manager
Dave joined The Center in 2013 as a Senior Business Solutions Manager. Working directly with manufacturers in Wayne and Monroe counties, he enjoys helping small and medium-sized companies reach their full potential. Dave is a seasoned professional with expertise at identifying/opening new market opportunities and increasing market penetration in existing markets. He also has extensive experience in generating/growing new business and selling intangible services.
 

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.