What is the GoingPRO Talent Fund?
The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) awards grants to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Workforce Development (LEO-WD) awards the funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA). MWA Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. The MWA Business Services staff can then determine whether Talent Fund awards would be appropriate to help close the skills gap. During the application period, MWAs submit Talent Fund applications to LEO-WD on behalf of their partnering employer.
How Can Restaurant & Hotel Operators Use the GoingPro Talent Fund to Build Workforce?
Invest in your current workforce by providing them with training to grow their skills in the hospitality industry. Operators can cover their tuition to attend the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) Business Management Certification program with GoingPro Talent Funds. The HTIM programs focus on core management skills: costing, leading teams, giving feedback, food safety, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being.
Funds can also be used to cover the expenses of a Deparement of Labor registered apprenticeship classroom training. Apprenticeship allows a student to work full time while also requiring formal training which is a criteria that can be met through HTIM programs. The cost associated with the formal training or related instructional materials can be covered with the GoingPro Talent Fund.
How Does My Company Apply?
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) awards funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA). MWA Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. If they determine Talent Fund awards are appropriate, they grant the employers access to a convenient online application submission process. Interested employers should engage their local MWA early to allow ample time to complete the fact-finding process to ensure applications are submitted in time for review prior to established annual deadlines.
Learn more by watching the MRLA's GoingPRO Talent Fund Application Process Overview Webinar recording!
The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) awards grants to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Workforce Development (LEO-WD) awards the funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA). MWA Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. The MWA Business Services staff can then determine whether Talent Fund awards would be appropriate to help close the skills gap. During the application period, MWAs submit Talent Fund applications to LEO-WD on behalf of their partnering employer.
How Can Restaurant & Hotel Operators Use the GoingPro Talent Fund to Build Workforce?
Invest in your current workforce by providing them with training to grow their skills in the hospitality industry. Operators can cover their tuition to attend the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) Business Management Certification program with GoingPro Talent Funds. The HTIM programs focus on core management skills: costing, leading teams, giving feedback, food safety, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being.
Funds can also be used to cover the expenses of a Deparement of Labor registered apprenticeship classroom training. Apprenticeship allows a student to work full time while also requiring formal training which is a criteria that can be met through HTIM programs. The cost associated with the formal training or related instructional materials can be covered with the GoingPro Talent Fund.
How Does My Company Apply?
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) awards funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA). MWA Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. If they determine Talent Fund awards are appropriate, they grant the employers access to a convenient online application submission process. Interested employers should engage their local MWA early to allow ample time to complete the fact-finding process to ensure applications are submitted in time for review prior to established annual deadlines.
Learn more by watching the MRLA's GoingPRO Talent Fund Application Process Overview Webinar recording!
Which Employees are Eligible to Participate?
Employees, current or new, must meet each of the following criteria:
What Kind of Training Programs are Approved as Part of This Program?
All training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer, be short term and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. The amount requested cannot exceed $2,000 per person or $3,500 per U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentice. It must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
What Support are Employers Expected to Provide?
Employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local MWA and other partners to develop an appropriate, realistic training plan. Among other responsibilities, employers are expected to:
Employees, current or new, must meet each of the following criteria:
- Permanent, full-time employee of the employer when the approved training begins.
- Works primarily in Michigan, and for whom the employer pays all applicable taxes to the State of Michigan, regardless of where the employee lives.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
What Kind of Training Programs are Approved as Part of This Program?
All training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer, be short term and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. The amount requested cannot exceed $2,000 per person or $3,500 per U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentice. It must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Classroom or customized training
- New employee on-the-job training
- Training for USDOL Registered Apprentices
What Support are Employers Expected to Provide?
Employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local MWA and other partners to develop an appropriate, realistic training plan. Among other responsibilities, employers are expected to:
- Sign and adhere to a contract/training agreement with the MWA outlining their role and responsibilities.
- Provide cash or in-kind contribution/leverage in support of the training project.
- Use Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) and Michigan Works! to recruit for job openings.
How Do I Contact My Local MichiganWorks! Office?
Operators are required to apply for GoingPRO Talent Funds through their local MichiganWorks! office. Click the map here to access your local office.
More Questions?
Contact Amanda Smith at [email protected] or 517-377-3927
Operators are required to apply for GoingPRO Talent Funds through their local MichiganWorks! office. Click the map here to access your local office.
More Questions?
Contact Amanda Smith at [email protected] or 517-377-3927
