Lansing Sun

A $2.8 million grant to the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) will help the state implement training programs that will provide a more diverse workforce.

The announcement was made recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a press release from the governor’s office said. 

“Mid-Michigan College helps thousands of people every year get the skills they need to find a good-paying job and take the next step in their careers,” state Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell), speaker of the House, said in the release. “Their training programs are also an important part of our local economy, partnering with local businesses to find the skilled workforce they need to grow and succeed here at home. I am always proud to support Mid, and I am glad we were able to provide this critical funding in the budget. This is exactly the sort of program we should support and encourage statewide as we look to close the skills gap.”

The grant will be utilized to help 74 state training centers provide workforce training and employee skills development.

“Michigan’s skilled workforce is powering our economic growth, and I am proud that we are making additional investments to expand training, skills development and more to help them succeed,” Whitmer in the release. “We are working with several partners to build on our economic momentum, ensuring that Michiganders in every region of our great state can get on a path to a good-paying job and businesses of all sizes have the resources and talent they need to compete in the global economy.”

The training centers that will receive the funding have been specifically chosen by the state in a joint decision with 15 economic development organizations.

“Talent is the key to unlocking the success of our employers and attracting new investment to the state,” Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC executive vice president and chief talent solutions officer, said in the release. “These grants build on our efforts to develop the type of talent that will make Michigan top choice for businesses looking to grow or relocate to Michigan. We are committed to creating a culture of lifelong learning here in Michigan, while investing in programs and opportunities like these that will help our workforce begin preparing today for the jobs of tomorrow.”