Find Your Path
Training Grants: Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF)
The Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) Program provides competitive awards for employer responsive training that enhances talent, productivity and employment retention, while increasing the quality of competitiveness of Michigan's businesses. These training dollars help to ensure that Michigan's employers have access to the talent they need to compete and grow; and individuals have the skills they need for in-demand jobs.
Collaboration between the Michigan Works! agencies, economic development and educational partners is essential to achieve demand-driven training that addresses talent shortages hampering the growth of Michigan's priority industries.
Training programs funded by the GPTF grant must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by an eligible business. The training must be short-term, preferably three months or less in duration, and must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable between employers within an industry, and lead to permanent full-time employment, or continued full-time employment. That is, the individual must obtain a credential or skill that will allow them to gain or retain employment; for example, a certificate in welding or on-site training on a specific job, such as a robotic technician.
Allowable training for GPTF grants include classroom or on-site training - for individuals to be hired and/or incumbent employees; and US Department of Labor (USDOL) Veterans Administration (VA) Registered Apprenticeships - for new apprentices only.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a partner in the effort to identify eligible businesses who have a documented need for training. We stand ready to work with you to assist in the development of a training plan to meet your talent development needs.
The Kalamazoo Valley Groves Center is prepared to support you with:
- Training research and recommendations to meet your training needs.
- Course outlines, pricing and training schedules. Access the Groves Center course catalog here.
You are encouraged to act now as we anticipate the funds will be spoken for quickly!
Visit the website to review the eligibility requirements.
Please contact us with any questions you have. We look forward to working with you to support your training needs.
For assistance with the application and eligibility requirements, contact one of the Michigan Works! agency contacts below:
Kara Stewart
Michigan Works! Southwest
222 South Westnedge
Kalamazoo MI 49007
269.385.0477
stewart@upjohn.org
Chris Walden
Michigan Works! Southwest
135 Hamblin Avenue
Battle Creek MI 49017
269.660.1413
walden@upjohn.org
For assistance with training solutions and your training plan development, contact:
Trish Schroeder
Director of Corporate Training
Kalamazoo Valley Groves Center
269.353.1275