Search
Unemployment Insurance Agency logo
Unemployment Insurance Agency

Michigan Works! Helps U.P. Employers Utilize Training Funds to Address Workforce Challenges

Michigan Works! presents Aspirus with a big check.

UPPER PENINSULA – U.P. Michigan Works! continues to support employers and employees in getting ready to win by providing access to valuable programs and resources.

Employers throughout the Upper Peninsula have found a particularly valuable funding program in the Going PRO Talent Fund, as many of them face ongoing struggles with workforce shortages and a persistent talent gap. In 2021, 57 U.P. employers were awarded funds, totaling nearly $1.5 million. Of the 57, 48 applied as independent businesses and 9 applied as part of industry-led collaboratives.

The fund is administered by the State’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and is awarded through Michigan Works! Agencies. Michigan Works! continues to directly support U.P. employers’ workforce development needs through apprenticeships, classroom training, and on-the-job training.

“It is a competitive process to complete the application and be awarded. We are proud to work directly with our employer partners to make sure they have the best opportunity to receive funding,” said Debb Brunell, U.P. Michigan Works! Chief Strategy Officer. “In 2022, 63 out of 65 Upper Peninsula applicants who applied independently received funding through the Going PRO Talent Fund.”

So far, 3 Upper Peninsula applicants who applied as part of industry-led collaboratives have also received funding, bringing the total for 2022 up to 66 successful applicants.

Companies are reimbursed for training that provides upskilling to workers and supports new or improved credentials, certificates, and degrees.

Aspirus Health, a healthcare provider located in Gogebic, Houghton, and Iron Counties, is receiving training funds from the Going PRO Talent Fund. Working directly with U.P. Michigan Works!, Aspirus Health was awarded a total of $52,500 in funding for employee training at their three locations. The funding will be used to support Medical Assistant Apprenticeships and on-the-job training for new employees. It will enhance their skills and help them get ready to win in healthcare.

“We are thrilled to accept this grant and use the funds towards our Medical Assistant Apprentice Program,” said Lindsay Jenson, Aspirus Talent Delivery Partner. “This program advanced three Aspirus employees who were interested in furthering their education and becoming Certified Medical Assistants. All three employees are now certified and working in our Aspirus Clinics caring for our communities.”

The application period for the Going PRO Talent Fund opens each Fall and recipients of funding are announced in January.

For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund and eligibility requirements, or for more information about programs, contact your local Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! office by calling 800-285-9675, or visiting upmichiganworks.org.

—

Click this link for more information about our employer services.

Medicaid in the Upper Peninsula

Navigating health coverage and work requirements can be confusing, so here’s a simple guide on how the program works and who fills what role:

Medicaid is a health care program funded by the state and federal government that provides health care services to eligible, low-income Michigan citizens, including adults, children, the elderly, pregnant woman, and some people with disabilities.

  • Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) is a managed care organization licensed by the State of Michigan to provide Medicaid medical services. UPHP helps eligible members access healthcare services, providers, care management, and member support after they are enrolled in Medicaid. They are the only organization of this kind in the Upper Peninsula. 
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers Medicaid in Michigan, determines eligibility, manages enrollment through MI Bridges, and oversees Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement policies and exemptions.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) helps individuals connect with employment, education, training, and career services that may help them meet Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement activities and achieve their employment goals.

To learn more about Medicaid in the U.P, visit UPHP.com.