Northwest Michigan Employers Receive Over $577,000 in Cycle Two of the Going PRO Talent Fund

Eighteen employers in Northwest Michigan have been awarded a total of $577,927 in Cycle Two of the 2025 Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF), supporting training for 273 employees, including 53 apprentices. Two-thirds of awarded employers included apprentices in their training plans—underscoring a strong regional focus on long-term talent development.
 
“Grants like the Going PRO Talent Fund have a profound impact on the employers we serve,” said Rob Dickinson, Regional Director of Business Services at Northwest Michigan Works!. “These investments are giving local companies the tools to build sustainable workplace cultures, reduce turnover, and win more contracts. When employers can upskill both new and existing employees, they not only become more competitive—they become better places to work.”
 
Training supported by this cycle’s funding ranges from Power Line Design & Staking and Marine Electrical Systems to CompTIA Network+ and Medical Assistant Apprenticeship training. Industries represented include energy, manufacturing, healthcare, education, construction, professional services, and non-profits.
 
Employers also reported more than $3.18 million in private investment—over five times the state grant total—demonstrating their commitment to workforce development.
 
“The Going PRO Talent Fund continues to create a powerful return on investment,” Dickinson added. “When public dollars help leverage millions more in private-sector training, our entire region benefits.”
 
The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Learn more at: nwm.org/businessservices