The Pros of Going PRO: How the New & Improved STTF Can Help Employers Develop & Retain the Talent Th

Since 2013 the Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) has provided nearly $73 million in funding for training and apprenticeships. Starting this fall, another $29 million will be available for businesses throughout Michigan through the Going PRO Talent Fund, the new face of STTF. Although its name has changed, Going PRO is still as big and powerful as ever, helping to drive Michigan’s economy and provide manufacturers with the talent they need to compete and grow.

Created by Michigan Works!, an established partner in developing our state’s economic future, Going PRO provides competitive funding to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Through a collaborative statewide network of workforce and employee skill development partners, this program supports employer responsive training and enhances talent, productivity and employment retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. The type of training this funding can be used for must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer, with past examples including anything from welding to robotics to CNC programming to on-the-job training.

Any Michigan employer with a need for skill enhancement, including apprenticeship programs and advance-tech training programs, may be eligible to apply for funding. To begin the application process, companies must first contact their local Michigan Works! office to assess their talent skill gaps and determine if Going PRO funding would be an appropriate solution. Once this has been decided, they will work together to develop the necessary training plan, identify and document the number of individuals to be trained and find all available funding and resources to be used. To get in touch with your local Michigan Works! office, or to learn more about the services this program provides, visit http://www.michiganworks.org/.

How Michigan Works! Can Work for You
Manufacturers hoping to enhance the skills of their workers can find support through Going PRO. Through this program, employers can work with Michigan Works! to get the training they need to ultimately eliminate gaps in talent at their facility. Going PRO provides more than just funding, as it also provides employers with loyal, ever-developing talent devoted to growing with the company. Through this service, Going PRO can help manufacturers retain and develop the talent they need to thrive, right at home.

Applications for FY 2019 funding are due October 3, 2018. To get assistance with the application process, or to learn about our Going PRO-funded training options, contact The Center at 888.414.6682 or inquiry@the-center.org.