Funding available for collaborative workforce training
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! is helping employers in advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, and healthcare develop customized training solutions while accessing funding resources to help offset training costs.
Rather than tackling workforce challenges independently, employer-led collaborative training brings together businesses with similar needs to identify common skills gaps and develop training solutions. West Michigan Works! works with participating employers to determine eligibility, coordinate training and identify appropriate funding opportunities.
Employers participating in collaborative training may be eligible for reimbursement through the Sector Strategies Employer-Led Collaborative (SS ELC) program, which supports short-term, industry-driven training in advanced manufacturing, construction, energy and healthcare. Eligible employers can receive reimbursement of up to $3,250 per participating employee through cohort-based training alongside other businesses facing similar workforce challenges.
“Many employers are facing similar training challenges,” said Amy Lebednick, Business Solutions Director, West Michigan Works!. “Our Business Solutions Representatives work with employers to understand those needs and connect them with the resources that will have the greatest impact. By bringing employers together around shared training priorities, we can help businesses build skilled talent more efficiently while creating new opportunities for employees to grow.”
The collaborative approach also leverages West Michigan Works! Industry Talent Councils to identify high-demand skills and develop employer-driven training solutions that respond to changing workforce needs.
SS ELC funding is available through Dec. 31, 2026, or until available funding is exhausted, and eligible training must be completed by Nov. 30.
In addition to SS ELC, Going PRO Talent Fund Employer-Led Collaborative funding is available on a rolling basis, providing another potential resource for employers with shared training needs.
Businesses must be located within the West Michigan Works! seven-county service region and meet applicable state eligibility requirements. Because funding availability and program requirements vary, employers are encouraged to begin the eligibility review process as early as possible. Employers interested in either opportunity can work with a West Michigan Works! Business Solutions Representative to assess their workforce needs, determine eligibility, and identify the program best suited to their training goals.
To connect with a Business Solutions Representative, visit westmiworks.org/contact.
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