What is the Going PRO Talent Fund?
The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity of Michigan manages the program and employers work with their local Michigan Works! Agency to apply.
How does Frontline help?
Frontline Training Solutions offers a variety of training programs that meet the qualifications to receive funding from the Going Pro Talent Fund. Every year we work with many different employers throughout the state to help them access these funds to participate in our training programs. Employers are able to use the funds to participate in our wide variety of open enrollment training programs, or they can use the funds to host a dedicated training for a group from your specific company. Contact us today to begin strategizing on a training plan for your company that maximizes the funding available from the Going Pro Talent Fund.
- Click here to view the 2026 Open Enrollment calendar for this year’s GoingPro cycle.
Going PRO Talent Fund Program Overview
What is the application process for employers?:
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) awards funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA). To get started, employers should contact their local MWA Business Services Representative. Interested employers should engage their local MWA early to allow ample time to complete the fact-finding process to ensure applications are submitted in time for review prior to established annual deadlines. Applications are submitted through a convenient online application submission process.
Which employees are eligible to participate?:
Employees, current or new, must be a permanent, full-time employee of the employer when the approved training begins, work primarily in Michigan for whom the employer pays all applicable taxes to the State of Michigan, 18 years of age or older, and a citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
What kind of training programs are approved as part of this program?:
A wide variety of technical skills and leadership skills training can be approved for Going PRO Talent Funds. The amount requested cannot exceed $2,000 per person or $3,500 per U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentice. It must also be classroom or customized training, new employee on-the-job training, or training for USDOL Registered Apprentices. Visit here to see a full list of approved training topics. If you have questions on what training may or may not be approved, you should consult with your MWA representative.
Why was the Talent Fund developed?:
The Talent Fund brings many benefits to Michigan’s employers and employees. The Talent Fund helps ensure Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow, while also ensuring individuals have the skills they need for in- demand jobs. The Talent Fund also expands and improves employees’ skills and develops their opportunities for growth or promotion within the company and for economic advancement and addresses skills shortages by reskilling and upskilling Michigan workers based on employers’ needs. It also supports an increase in credentials, certificates and degrees through employer- responsive training that enhances talent attraction, productivity and retention.
Going PRO Eligible Training Options Through Frontline
Through our internal team of experts and strategic industry partnerships, we offer a wide range of training programs that qualify for Going PRO Talent Fund support. Whether you’re looking to develop leaders, improve technical skills, or enhance quality systems, our programs are designed to provide practical hands-on training to develop your employees to the next level. Below is a summary of our most popular training categories that are eligible for Going PRO Talent Funds.
Leadership and Management Training
Strong leadership is essential for business success. Our leadership and management training programs equip supervisors, managers, and HR professionals with the skills they need to drive team performance, improve communication, and create a positive workplace culture. Programs available include:
- Supervisor Boot Camp
- Leadership Foundations
- Purpose-Driven Leadership Training
- Developing Coaching Leaders
- Leadership Alignment for Operational Excellence
- Frontline Human Resources Manager
- Strategic Human Resources Leadership
Project Management Training
Effective project management ensures deadlines are met, budgets are maintained, and teams work efficiently. Our project management training equips professionals with the tools and techniques needed to lead projects successfully. Learn more about this popular Going PRO Talent Fund eligible training here.
DOL Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships provide structured, on-the-job training combined with technical instruction, making them a valuable workforce development tool. We help businesses establish and manage DOL registered apprenticeship programs, ensuring compliance and long-term success. If you are looking to maximize Going PRO Talent Funds for your organization, creating an apprenticeship program can give you a competitive advantage as it can increase your application score and let you access additional funds per employee.
Technical Manufacturing Skills Training
Manufacturers rely on skilled workers to keep operations running smoothly. Our technical training programs provide expert led instruction in key manufacturing processes. Popular programs include:
- Machining Industry Essentials
- CNC Milling and Turning Basics
- Introduction to Stamping Die Parts & Components
- Stamping Die Process Troubleshooting
- Plastic Mold Parts & Components
- Plastic Molding Process Troubleshooting
- Introduction to Welding
- Introduction to Robotics Programming & Troubleshooting
- Introduction to Electrical & Electronic Concepts
- Introduction to Electrical & Electronic Troubleshooting
- Blueprint Reading
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Quality Systems and Process Improvement Training
Improving efficiency and maintaining high-quality standards are crucial for any business. Our quality and process improvement training helps teams implement lean strategies, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement. Popular programs include:
- Lean Essentials
- Problem Solving
- Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA) Design & Process
- Training Enhancement and Mentoring System (TEaMS)
- Six Sigma
- Manufacturing Quality Essentials
Customized Training Programs
Every business has unique training needs. At Frontline, we work with employers to create custom training programs tailored to their workforce. Whether you need a combination of leadership development, technical skills training, or process improvement, we can design a program that meets your goals—and qualifies for Going PRO funding. These programs can be delivered onsite at your location, at our training center, in-person, or virtually. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, we partner with our clients to create the ideal delivery method to meet their needs.
Interested in a customized training program? Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Get Started with Frontline Training Solutions
Sign up for one of our trainings today.
Learn More
Create your custom Going PRO plan.
Contact our team today to create a custom Going PRO Talent Fund plan for your company. Our team can walk you through our eligible training programs or work with you to create a custom training just for your company. Reach out today to get started.
Featured Going PRO Eligible Trainings
Leadership Foundations
Leadership Foundations equips new and aspiring leaders with the skills, strategies, and self-awareness needed to navigate the challenges of leadership, offering practical tools and personalized support to help them thrive...
Supervisor Boot Camp
Our Supervisor Boot Camp training provides the practical tools, tips, and techniques necessary for your frontline management to thrive in the day-to-day battle of frontline leadership.
Purpose Driven Leadership Training
Learn how to build a better workplace culture and better influence those you lead by "turning the mirror" on yourself.
Developing Coaching Leaders
This in-depth training will help leaders see the difference between managing others and being a coaching leader.
Project Management Essentials
Learn the mechanics of effective project management, how to get people onboard, and achieve successful results.
The Frontline Human Resources Manager
Become the HR manager your organization needs by exploring topics like: HR data and metrics, change management, HR maturity models, and more.
Strategic Human Resources Leadership
Learn how to become a strategic HR leader to help move your company forward, exploring topics like: organizational culture, talent management, and more.
Leadership Alignment for Operational Excellence
Bring all levels of leadership into alignment while each person learns about critical skills and leadership traits.
Check out some of our other solutions at Frontline.
Professional Coaching
Professional coaching helps ensure the coachee has a clear understanding of who they are, and the challenges they are facing. This clarity is necessary in order to set aside distraction...
Operations/Lean Consulting
Sometimes as you pursue operational excellence, an outside perspective is helpful. The Frontline Training Solutions team can be that extra help for your team.
Team Solutions
An organization's success is directly connected to the health and cohesion of the team. Our seasoned facilitator will bring your team together and help them perform at higher levels.