Congratulations to Magna Mirrors Newaygo Division for recently completing a portion of its FY22 Going PRO Talent Fund training plan to train about 80 employees.

Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene presented a check to the team at Magna Mirrors in Newaygo on Dec. 1, 2022, as reimbursement for the training. Training for Magna staff included on-the-job training for up to 50 new-hire employees, as well as math, basic electronics, leadership and robotics training for 29 incumbent employees. Magna also received funds for two new USDOL registered apprentices to enter the electrical maintenance technician program through Grand Rapids Community College.

Magna previously received more than $68,000 in FY18 through the Going PRO Talent Fund for DOT certifications, USDOL maintenance apprenticeships and new-hire training; and received more than $79,000 in FY21 for on-the-job training for new-hire employees and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), statistical process control (SPC), robot safety and blueprint reading for 28 incumbent staff members.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an invaluable funding source for Michigan businesses looking to upskill their workforce and train new hires," Keene said. "It’s just one of the many tools Michigan Works! West Central has available to offer to businesses in our region. I encourage all employers in our region to contact our Business Services team to learn more about how the Going PRO Talent Fund can help advance their workforce."

The fall FY23 Going PRO Talent Fund application period closed Dec. 9. Through the Talent Fund, eligible businesses were able to apply for up to $2,000 per individual (existing or new-hire employees) for training on a new or expanded skill, and for up to $3,500 per individual for USDOL registered apprentices.

Although the current application period recently passed, there will be a second grant round in spring 2023 (more details to come)!

For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund, eligible training and how to apply, contact Michigan Works! West Central’s Business Services team. For businesses in Mason and Oceana counties, contact Julie Sanders at (231) 287-1956 or jsanders@mwwc.org; for Lake and Osceola counties, contact Mark Buss at (231) 679-8785 or mbuss@mwwc.org; and for Mecosta and Newaygo counties, contact Chad Marr at (231) 679-8746 or cmarr@mwwc.org.