The story shared in this post was written by Jacob Owens and originally published on MINews26.com on January 18, 2018. Click here to view the original story on MINews26.com

Nearly $2 million dollars is going to help almost 400 Michigan job-seekers to prepare them to enter into apprenticeship programs.

Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness Initiative grants were recently awarded to 11 organizations across the state.

The Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness initiative was established to expand and diversify Michigan Registered Apprenticeships, including the Michigan Advanced Technician Training or MAT2 Program.

And MAT2 was designed to address two critical issues facing the manufacturing and technology industries: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce.

A significant professional trades shortage exists in Michigan and is expected to continue through 2024.

Professional trades will account for more than 500,000 jobs in Michigan’s economy, and approximately 15,000 new job openings are expected every year until at least 2024.

Recruitment and training for these apprenticeship readiness opportunities will take place between January 9, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

Following are the Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness initiative grantees:

Baker College of Cadillac 
Industry Focus: Mechatronics
Funding Amount: $172,209

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Industry Focus: Construction/Electrical
Funding Amount: $180,000

Focus: HOPE
Industry Focus: Manufacturing
Funding Amount: $130,722

Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Michigan Works! 
Industry Focus: Construction
Funding Amount: $139,346

Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids
Industry Focus: IT/Help Desk
$179,319

Lake Michigan College
Industry Focus: Manufacturing and Construction
Funding Amount: $180,000

Michigan Construction Foundation
Industry Focus: Construction
Funding Amount: $178,976

Michigan Works! Region 7B 
Industry Focus: Aircraft maintenance
Funding Amount: $179,808

Schoolcraft College
Industry Focus: Manufacturing/Robotics
Funding Amount: $180,000

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance
Industry Focus: Health, Robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing
Funding Amount: $163,201

West Michigan Works! 
Industry Focus: Manufacturing
Funding Amount: $180,000

The Going PRO campaign is designed to highlight the perception of professional trades and showcase opportunities in a variety of rewarding careers. It is part of a larger effort to transform career technical education across the state, addressing challenges raised by educators, businesses and other stakeholders. For more information about Going PRO, visit the www.Going-PRO.com website.

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