Chris Holman speaks with Becky Powers, CFO, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI. He looks to find out all about Going Pro in Michigan. To hear Becky and Chris discussing Going Pro Talent Fund, press play on the PodCast shared below.



QUESTION: What is the Going Pro Talent Fund?

ANSWER: Going Pro is a partnership formed in 2013 to address the need for funding to provide
additional training opportunities for employees. This partnership includes the Workforce
Development Agency within the Talent Investment Agency, the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation, Michigan Works! agencies, employers, and community colleges and
training programs in Michigan.

QUESTION: What is the goal of the Going Pro Talent Fund?

ANSWER: The goal of the fund is to provide a marketable skill or recognized credential for
people receiving training so participating businesses and employees are able to compete,
expand and make a positive contribution to their local and state economies.

QUESTION: How did CAMW! invest in training for local businesses?

ANSWER: CAMW! and the State of Michigan Talent Investment Agency invested $1,565,183 in
local businesses, allocated through the Going Pro Talent Fund awards. The Business Services
Team at CAMW! worked with 40 employers in the region to submit 66 applications for this
year’s GPTF funding, with 39 applications approved.

QUESTION: What did the GPTF funds do for local businesses?

ANSWER: They enabled 1,485 people to receive training, resulting in seven newly registered
apprentices with the U.S. Department of Labor. An average of $1,161.11 was spent on each
trainee. Each company contributed an average of $149,974 in additional funding.

QUESTION: How do companies become involved with CAMW!?

ANSWER: The best way to get connected with our Business Services Team is to either call us at
517-492-5516 or email tsand@camw.net. You can also send us a message through social media, and we can point you in the right direction.