The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund offers more than $55 million to employers for training that leads to a worker credential for skills that are transferable and recognized by industry. Though focused on hard skill training, Going PRO grants can be used to develop supervisor skills in the employer’s workforce. 

The Going PRO Talent Fund provides grant funds for training, developing, and retaining current and recently hired employees. It must be short-term training and fill a talent need experienced by the employer.

Grant reimbursement for training can be up to $2,000 per person for classroom or customized training, on-the job training for new employees, and up to $3,500 per person for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.

Cycle 2 applications are open from April 14, 2025, through May 2, 2025, and award announcements are anticipated in June with the training period to run July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. If an employer received Cycle 1 training funds, they are not eligible to apply for Cycle 2 grant funds.

To apply for a Going PRO grant employers must go through their Michigan Works! Network. The staff at the local Michigan Works! office where the local employer can apply will work with the employer to assess their talent and skill gaps and identify what suitable resources there are to provide the training. The Michigan Works! Business Services staff will assist the employer with the state’s online Going PRO application system called WBLOMS.

Additional Resources:

2025 Cycle 2 Information Sessions (Additional dates can be found on your local Michigan Works! website. The general information shared in each webinar is the same across Michigan Works! offices.)

Find Your Local Michigan Works Office

Going PRO Talent Fund Key Contacts

Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund

ASE Connect

Going PRO grant funds can be used for leadership and management training as long as the training program meets the grant’s criteria. Many of ASE’s supervisor and leadership development courses that can potentially be included in your Going PRO Talent Fund application are:

• Conflict Prevention and Resolution Skills
• Dealing with Difficult Behavior
• Delegating for Results
• Giving and Receiving Feedback
• Leadership Essentials
• MIOSHA - MTI: Effective Safety and Health Training
• MIOSHA - MTI: Machine Guarding and Hazard Identification
• MIOSHA – MTI: Parts 39 & 40 Electrical Safety
• MIOSHA – MTI: Record Keeping and Cost of Injuries
Performance Appraisals:Planning and Conducting
• Principles and Practices of Supervision I & II – This three day in-person or six half-day virtual, instructor-led course addresses first and second line leadership competencies.
• Process Based Communication and Conflict Resolution
• Project Management Basics
• Supervise with Success
• Supervisory Skills 101 and 102
•  

View course descriptions for these supervisory related courses here. View the MIOSHA and other safety courses here. ASE can work with you to include these classes on your Cycle 2 Going PRO application. Please visit ASE’s website to find more valuable information about Going PRO Talent Fund and how to apply for it before the application period closes. Contact Roseatta Stoops, Senior Training & Development Manager, ASE, for more information or assistance.