How much does the Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund pay?
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) — Workforce Development
$2,000 per trainee
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 6 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Michigan pays up to $2,000 for each employee you train, and up to $3,500 for each registered apprentice. Awards go to Michigan employers through a local Michigan Works! agency; in one recent round, awards averaged about $56,000 per business.
Competitive grant that helps Michigan employers pay for structured skills-upgrade training for their employees. Covers both customized training (company-specific curriculum) and registered apprenticeships. Employers apply through Michigan Works! agencies. The cap is set per trainee, so the size of your award follows the number of people you train.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- Up to $2,000 per trainee; up to $3,500 per registered apprentice
- Realistic amount
- About $56,000 per business on average in one recent statewide round; your total depends on how many people you train
- Deadline
- No window open now. The 2027 application period dates have not been announced; the next opportunity to apply is in early 2027.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- MI
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Employer must be located in Michigan with Michigan-based employees
- Training is for permanent, full-time Michigan employees, current staff or new hires
- Must partner with a Michigan Works! agency to apply — employers do not apply directly to the state
- Registered apprenticeship track also eligible — employer must have a DOL-registered apprenticeship program or commit to starting one
- Any industry and any employer size; priority to manufacturing, healthcare, and high-demand sectors
- Employer must demonstrate a retention and wage-growth plan for trained employees
Questions employers ask about Going PRO
Who can get it?
A Michigan employer with a documented skill gap, in good financial standing and current on taxes. The agency that administers the fund says employers must show a training need that helps them compete and grow, do business in Michigan, be financially sound and be current on federal and state taxes. The people you train need to be permanent, full-time employees.
How much does an employer actually get?
The cap is per person, so your total follows your headcount: $2,000 per trainee in classroom or on-the-job training, $3,500 per registered apprentice. In one recent round, 449 businesses shared $25 million, about $56,000 each. Six employers in one local area shared roughly $263,600 to train 128 workers, including 41 apprentices. Targeted-group trainees can add to an award.
How do I apply?
Through your local Michigan Works! agency, not directly with the state. You start with a fact-finding session on your skill gaps and training options; if the agency approves a request, it gives you access to the online application. Contact the agency early, because that session takes time. More Michigan programs are on our Michigan small business grants page.
Is it the only way to get training paid for?
No. Going PRO is Michigan-only and pays per trainee, up to a cap. Other states run similar training funds, and registered apprenticeship has its own federal and state help. See workforce training grants taking applications and apprenticeship grants for options by state.
What if the fund is closed?
Use the watch form below for one email when the next window opens, and check the Deadline row above for where things stand. Your Michigan Works! agency is the place to ask about the next intake.
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Third-party training provider tuition and fees
- Curriculum development for customized training
- Instructor costs for in-house training
- Training materials, books, and supplies
- Apprenticeship-related related instruction (RI) costs
- Equipment required for training delivery (not production equipment)
Ineligible expenses
- Trainee wages during training
- Training for employees located outside Michigan
- Generic online coursework (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) without customization
- Safety training solely mandated by law
- New equipment purchases for production use
- Pre-employment or new-hire onboarding not tied to skill advancement
How to apply
-
1
Contact your regional Michigan Works! agency
Identify and contact the Michigan Works! agency serving your county. They are the intake point for Going PRO — employers do not apply directly to the state. The agency will assess your training needs and explain the current cycle timeline.
~2 hrs
-
2
Develop training plan and budget
Work with your Michigan Works! business services representative to document your training curriculum, trainee count, training provider, and expected wage outcomes. Customized training requires a third-party or in-house trainer; apprenticeship track requires a registered apprenticeship program.
~8 hrs
-
3
Michigan Works! submits application to LEO
The Michigan Works! agency compiles and submits the Going PRO application to LEO Workforce Development on your behalf. Competitive review occurs at the state level against other regional applicants.
~2 hrs
-
4
Execute training contract and deliver training
If awarded, employer signs a contract with Michigan Works! and/or LEO. Training must be delivered within the contract period (typically 12 months). Progress reporting required.
~10 hrs
-
5
Submit documentation for reimbursement
Submit invoices, training records, and payroll evidence to receive reimbursement. Going PRO is a reimbursement program — employers pay training costs first.
~5 hrs
Apply through your Michigan Works! agency early — funds are limited, so earlier is safer. Manufacturing and registered apprenticeship applications score best.
Deadline & timing
Applications are submitted through local Michigan Works! agencies, which have their own intake windows aligned to the state cycle. Contact your regional Michigan Works! office for FY2026 dates. Ask your agency when awards are announced.
Not accepting applications right now — get one email when it reopens
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