Federal Broach and Machine receives $5,850 to help train employees

HARRISON – Businesses in the Michigan Works! Region 7B service area received over $162,000 of the estimated $13.5 billion in grants from the second cycle of Going PRO Talent Fund awards, with $5,850 in training funds awarded to Federal Broach and Machine in Harrison.

"We're thrilled to see these training dollars awarded to local businesses to help them meet their training goals," said Mark L. Berdan, Executive Director, Michigan Works! Region 7B. "We know that this sort of continuous improvement will positively impact not only these businesses and their employees, but the economic health of our region as well. We are thankful to Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the chance to partner for the benefit of our businesses and our communities.”

In total, Michigan Works! Region 7B partnered with seven local employers for successful awards. In addition to Federal Broach, successful applicants included East Jordan Plastics ($49,500) in Beaverton; as well as Riegle Metals ($47,454), Ace Electric ($8,250), Kinesthetic Massages Plus ($1,495), A Bella Day Spa ($1,495), and Griffin Beverage ($48,952) in West Branch.

With nearly $13.5 million in grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund, the State of Michigan is helping approximately 8,500 workers employed across nearly 300 businesses earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages to support themselves and meet the high-skill talent needs of their employers. 

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and 'make it’ in Michigan," said Governor Whitmer. "These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy. Our work is paying off – we are a top ten state for doing business in 2023, so let’s keep connecting hardworking Michiganders with the training they need to build brighter futures and ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

Since the program's launch in 2014, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 175,000 new and existing workers. More than 60 percent of the employers receiving funds are small businesses (fewer than 100 employees).

Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and result in the employee acquiring a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. The average training cost per worker is $1,250. According to 2021 data, average hourly wages for Going PRO Talent Fund participants increased by $5.71 six months after completing training. 

LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with their local MWAs and other partners to develop strategic training plans. 

If you would like to find out how the Going PRO Talent Fund could help upskill the workforce at your business, contact Sarah Adkins, Clare County Director of Business Services and Economic Development, Michigan Works! Region 7B, at 989-539-2173.