Workforce Development Agency announces job training grants for Michigan companies

The Michigan Workforce Development Agency today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $1,857,982 in Skilled Trades Training Fund program grants to 16 Michigan Works! agencies around the state.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Workforce Development Agency today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $1,857,982 in Skilled Trades Training Fund program grants to 16 Michigan Works! agencies around the state. The funds will be awarded to Michigan companies for skilled trades training to better match talent with employer needs.

“Michigan’s economic vitality and opportunities for business and job growth depend on a workforce with the necessary talents and training for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Workforce training programs that are responsive to the needs of industry are basic to our commitment to reinvent government and create more and better jobs in Michigan.”

Announced by Snyder in January, the Skilled Trades Training Fund program provides competitive awards to Michigan Works! agencies to fund employer-driven training in high-demand occupations. Participating businesses must commit to hire participants at the successful completion of classroom training, or in cases of on-the-job or incumbent worker training, retain the employees at the completion of training. 

Today’s STTF recipients will distribute the funds to 34 Michigan employers in their regions, who will use the funds to upskill 5,634 current employees and 137 new employees and create up to 130 new jobs as a result of the training. The employers will provide a total of $10.7 million in matching funds (for complete details on winning agencies and employers, click here).

“The Skilled Trades Training Fund allows employers access to workers who possess the skills needed to grow their business,” said Workforce Development Agency Director Christine Quinn. “Employers are involved in every step of the process, including identifying key skill sets and recommending the appropriate type of training. This level of involvement translates into job growth for the business and job opportunities for the workers.”

A total of $10 million has been allocated for the Fiscal Year 2014 Skilled Trades Training Fund program. Funds will be awarded on an ongoing basis. For more information on the Skilled Trades Training Fund program, visit the Workforce Development Agency at www.michigan.gov/wda/.

The Workforce Development Agency promotes a flexible, innovative, and effective workforce system within the State of Michigan. The WDA and the Michigan Works! system provide services to employers and job seekers to train and place skilled workers in good jobs across Michigan. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.