Nearly $30 Million in Training Dollars Available to Northeast Michigan Businesses
The 2018 Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF), now in its fourth year, will offer nearly $30 million to be distributed statewide towards workforce training. The fund assists companies to meet their talent challenges by offering competitive awards for employer-driven training to enhance talent, employment retention, and productivity. The STTF offers the tools to help close the skills gap, providing training in high-demand occupations to address the talent shortages hindering Michigan’s growth.
The application period for 2018 grants supported by the training fund will run Sept. 18-Oct. 6, 2017. Demand for these training funds is strong and employers are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited and awards are competitive.
Prior to the start of the application period, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is offering several employer information sessions throughout northeast Michigan to help businesses learn how to apply for the available training funds. Throughout the Skilled Trades Training Fund process, companies will learn how to create a solid, competitive proposal, as well as learn more about the services and assistance available to them through Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.
Despite the name, the “Skilled Trades” Training Fund supports training for in-demand occupations that pay competitive wages in a variety of fields, including agriculture, energy, hospitality, healthcare, IT, manufacturing and more. Training, whether classroom or on-site, is usually short-term in duration and businesses receiving funds must commit to hire or retain individuals at the completion of their training.
Many industries in Michigan have an excess of open jobs, but a workforce lacking the skills to fill those jobs. STTF grants help to upskill workers so that they can perform the jobs that are currently in-demand. In 2017, 17 northeast Michigan companies were awarded STTF grants totaling over $338k, slated to train over 300 workers.
Information sessions concerning the Skilled Trades Training Fund and the potential opportunities it offers for businesses are planned for the following times and locations:
– 1-3pm on Thursday, Aug 24, at Grayling Michigan Works!, 4595 Salling Dr, Grayling
– 10-11:30am on Monday, Aug 28, at Straits Area Education Center, 504 Division St, Room 133, Cheboygan
– 1:30-4pm on Tuesday, Aug 29, at University Center, 80 Livingston Blvd, Gaylord
– 10-11:30am on Thursday, Aug 31, at Alpena Michigan Works!, 315 W Chisholm, Alpena
Businesses that plan to attend one of the information sessions should contact hoffmeyerc@nemcworks.org or (989) 733-8548 x2324 and indicate the location of the information session they would like to attend.
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is northeast Michigan’s local workforce development partner serving thousands of job seekers and businesses every year. More information about the services offered by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is available at NEMCWorks.org or by calling (800) 371-2533.