More than $2M in grants to help employers improve workforce

BERRIEN COUNTY, Ind. -- More than two million dollars in state grant money is being distributed to employers in southwest Michigan.

It's part of a program with Michigan Works that aims to help employers train, develop, and retain employees.

A grant aimed at helping improve the local workforce in southwest Michigan. Michigan works is using the funds to help nearly 50 local employers.

45 different employers across Cass, Van Buren, and Berrien counties will now be better equipped to get new employees up to speed and receive high quality training. Those with Michigan Works say regardless of the specific job industry, this money will help ease that new job transition.

"Manufacturing, healthcare, we actually have a lot of healthcare providers that we've helped the last year, we've got a lot of new ones in, so manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, IT, cybersecurity, enter business has been a new sector that we've been happy to serve in mobility, and trades have also been some good sectors that we have been serving. So basically, if it's an in-demand occupation, then it's one that we serve," said Jenni Leich, Business Solutions Manager for Michigan Works!

More than 1,200 employees across the three counties will benefit from this grant. One of those businesses is Flowers Early Learning in Paw Paw, who is receiving the grant for the second year in a row. They say the funds received are crucial for their services and programs.

"Child care, not just in southwest Michigan but across the country, a lot of agencies like ours are hanging on by a thread, years of under investment, and just an inability to find adequate spaces and sufficient staff to open more centers, and so any breathing room we get, any dollars, any funds that we can raise ourselves or grants that we can write through the state of Michigan or the federal government or foundations, every little bit helps," said Kevin Wordelman, COO of Flowers Early Learning.

Those nearly 50 businesses receiving funds from the grant can also qualify to be reimbursed for wages paid while a new or existing employee trains on a new process, new technology, or new machines.

"Next spring is going to be cycle two so there's two chances to apply every year, there's the first cycle, if you don't get awarded the first cycle, there's a second chance which is cycle two, and that application period is going to open up early spring," said Leich.

Employers and Michigan Works will also work with local colleges and tech centers help with the training.