Michigan Works! Southeast Receives $2.7+ Million to Help Washtenaw, Livingston Businesses

Michigan Works! Southeast will receive more than $2.7+ million from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) to train workers at 68 companies throughout the region. Collectively, these 68 companies will train 1,005 employees, which includes 749 new hires and 174 United States Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.

The grant awards are part of the State’s Going PRO Talent Fund, which is now in its eighth year. The Fund provides competitive awards for training that enhances talent, productivity and employee retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. It ensures that employers have the talent they need to compete and grow nationally and globally, and that people have the in-demand skills they need for good jobs.

“I want to thank all of our local businesses for trusting our Business Services Team with assisting them through the GPTF application process,” said Shamar Herron, Executive Director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “COVID has disrupted how we work, and these trainings will help workers and their companies across our five-county region to thrive in today’s economy,” he said.

Tom Robinson, Business Services Manager for Michigan Works! Southeast says that staff will be working closely with these companies in the next few months to ensure that the companies achieve their training goals. “These grants help both new and existing employees at these companies gain the skills they need to be perform their jobs effectively,” Robinson said. “We are excited to help increase the number of registered apprenticeships in our region through this grant,” said Robinson.

This collaboration was made possible through our valued partnerships with Ann Arbor SPARK. Michigan Works! Southeast connects employers and job seekers to a better future in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, and Washtenaw Counties as part of a statewide Michigan Works! system.