Employers secure $6.4M to train and advance workforce

ManufacturingConstructionHealthAgricultureTechHospitality

Dec 17

Written By Staff

West Michigan Works! announced that 100 employers across the region have been awarded $6,417,692.49 in Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) training dollars for Cycle 1 2026. This is 26% of the statewide allocation and 22% of the number of total awards.

The grants will help train, develop and retain more than 2,968 workers, including 880 new hires, 778 apprentices, and 1,310 incumbent workers. An additional nine businesses have pending awards totaling $767,535.

The awards will provide critical training resources across various industries, including agribusiness, healthcare, manufacturing and construction, which also includes mobility, energy and infrastructure.

In total, 55 manufacturing companies received awards, alongside 31 construction firms, 11 healthcare organizations, one tech company, and two hospitality businesses.

Geographically, the awards impact businesses across the region, with Kent County having 35 recipients, followed by Ottawa County with 26. Allegan County has 11, while Muskegon, Ionia and Montcalm counties each have four businesses that are benefiting. Additionally,16 awardees represent businesses with site locations both inside and outside of our seven-county region who will work with West Michigan Works! for all locations awarded.

More than 840 companies expressed interest in the GPTF. West Michigan Works! business solutions representatives worked directly with employers to submit 336 individual applications on their behalf.

"We are proud to support the State of Michigan's Going PRO Talent Fund, which brings crucial training dollars to help businesses across West Michigan invest in their workforce, equipping employees with the skills to grow their careers and achieve long-term success," said Jacob Maas, chief executive officer, West Michigan Works!. "The Going PRO Talent Fund empowers both new hires and current employees to build in-demand skills, while helping employers of all sizes remain competitive through skilled trades, technical skills, and leadership training."

Cycle 2 of the 2026 GPTF is expected to open in spring 2026. Employers interested in applying are encouraged to work with a Business Solutions Representative at West Michigan Works!. More information is available at https://www.westmiworks.org/employers/going-pro-talent-fund/.

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