{"id":21692,"date":"2024-12-12T15:19:53","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T15:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigancentral.com\/?p=21692"},"modified":"2024-12-12T18:22:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T18:22:27","slug":"michigan-central-detroit-at-work-and-the-state-of-michigan-launch-michigan-central-talent-innovation-training-fund","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigancentral.com\/michigan-central-detroit-at-work-and-the-state-of-michigan-launch-michigan-central-talent-innovation-training-fund\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Central, Detroit at Work, and the State of Michigan Launch Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund"},"content":{"rendered":"

Detroit, MI\u2014December 5, 2024 \u2013<\/strong> Michigan Central, in partnership with the \u2018Detroit at Work\u2019 system operated by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) and the State of Michigan\u2019s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), has launched the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund. <\/strong>This fund will provide over $1.5 Million dollars of training investment into early-stage technology and mobility-focused companies in Detroit by providing resources to acquire talent, grow operations, and create economic opportunity for Detroit residents.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund, we\u2019re moving at the pace of innovation to allow flexibility for hiring startups to train for emerging talent needs\u2014while also building a workforce ecosystem that positions Detroit as a leader in innovation and mobility,\u201d said Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Director of Talent Development and Programming at Michigan Central. \u201cThis is about driving growth, creating opportunity and ensuring that Detroiters are central to this transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund offers startups funding of up to $7,500 per trainee<\/strong> to cover specialized training costs for critical roles. The fund aims to reskill and upskill 160 Detroiters, helping them to secure family-sustaining wage roles in mobility-focused industries. The fund will also boost a thriving economic and workforce ecosystem by supporting emerging companies and creating new employment opportunities in Detroit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe speed of technical innovation, particularly in Detroit where we are recognized as a national leader, makes it imperative that our talent pool is able to support the needs of transformational employers across a range of industries,\u201d said Dana Williams, President and CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. \u201cPartnerships like this are critical to that talent pool as they keep Detroiters ready for the jobs of today and just as importantly, get them ready for the jobs of tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is one of many initiatives that Michigan Central has partnered with the State of Michigan to seed, aligning with the Labor and Economic Growth Department\u2019s goal to attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan\u2019s vast pipeline of opportunities.<\/p>\n

“Together, we are creating a competitive and innovative environment that improves the quality of life for people who live, work and do business in our state,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director. “We are empowering Michiganders to build meaningful careers and supporting our state’s workforce through equitable access, career advancement and career readiness, and this innovation fund also helps businesses build a skilled workforce.”<\/p>\n

Applications are open until February 15, 2025<\/strong>, with funds distributed on a rolling basis to ensure timely support.<\/p>\n

Who can apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund is open to startups ready to hire and effectively use the funds. Eligible companies must:<\/p>\n