Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Secures More Than $80,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Secures More Than $80,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund Awards to Strengthen Regional Workforce

Training investments will support Registered Apprenticeships and workforce development in Northeast Michigan

Onaway, Mich. – Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is pleased to announce that two Northeast Michigan employers have been awarded a combined $80,500 through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 2 grant program. The awards will provide training opportunities for 23 workers, including both current employees and new hires, helping employers strengthen their workforce while supporting long-term economic growth across the region.

The Going PRO Talent Fund provides competitive awards to employers for short-term, employer-driven training that leads to industry-recognized credentials and supports employee retention, advancement, and business growth. Since its launch in 2014, the program has invested more than $330 million in workforce training across Michigan.

For Cycle 2 of Fiscal Year 2026, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium submitted 10 applications on behalf of employers across its eight-county service area, requesting $189,194 to train 78 new and existing workers. Two applications were approved:

• Arauco – Grayling: $45,500 to train 13 current employee apprentices
• Alcona Citizens for Health: $35,000 to train 10 apprentices, including nine current employees and one new hire

These awards support employer-sponsored Registered Apprenticeship programs, helping workers gain nationally recognized credentials while advancing their careers and meeting critical workforce needs in Northeast Michigan.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an important investment for manufacturers like Cooper Standard and for employers across rural Northern Michigan. Access to high-quality training helps us strengthen the skills of our workforce, adapt to changing technologies, and remain competitive in an increasingly challenging labor market. For rural employers, where every skilled employee makes a significant impact, programs like Going PRO provide meaningful support that helps businesses grow, retain talent, and continue creating opportunities in our local communities.”

– Cassie Coon, PPAP Quality Engineer, Cooper Standard, prior cycle GPTF award recipient

Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, said that even modest investments through the Going PRO Talent Fund have a meaningful impact on the region.

“Even a single Going PRO Talent Fund award represents an investment in the people who keep Northeast Michigan’s economy moving. Workforce training strengthens both employees and employers, and every opportunity to build skills helps create a more resilient regional workforce.”

– Jessica Topp, CEO, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium serves employers and job seekers throughout Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Business Services staff work directly with employers to identify workforce needs, develop customized training plans, and connect businesses with workforce funding opportunities such as the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Employers interested in learning more about the Going PRO Talent Fund or other workforce development resources are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Business Solutions Profession or visit the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium website at MiWorksNE.org.