GST Michigan Works! announced that 26 employers located across Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Shiawassee, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties have been awarded grants totaling $844,000 through the Michigan Talent Investment Agency (TIA) Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) for short term, in-demand training.

Nearly half of the grants went to businesses located in Flint & Genesee, with 12 companies receiving $491,057. In 2016, seven businesses in Flint & Genesee received a total of $251,406 for STTF-supported programs.

The largest grant locally went to iSource Worldwide LLC (dba PrintSites), which was awarded $71,400. The company, a web application development company, is in the process of relocating to the Dryden Building in downtown Flint. Meanwhile, C3 Venture was awarded $65,790. C3, a manufacturer of interior plastic automotive components, is moving into the Riverview Industrial Park in Flint.

Other grantees in the Flint & Genesee region:

  • Magna Electronics, Grand Blanc – $24,084
  • Niles Industrial Coatings, Fenton – 68,033
  • C&L Ward, Davison – $23,750
  • Halo Country, LLC, Burton – $8,335
  • Genesee Group Inc., Flint – $60,000
  • NEXUS QSD Group, LLC, Flint – $45,000
  • Liquid Automation, Goodrich – $45,000
  • Dee Cramer, Holly – $6,000
  • Fernco, Inc., Davison – $16,500
  • Rassini Brakes, Flint – $57,165

Established in October 2013, the STTF continues to focus on assisting companies in meeting their talent challenges and, in doing so, helps increase the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. The fund ensures Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow, and individuals have the skills they need for in-demand jobs.

STTF-supported programs must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by an eligible participating business. The classroom training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry, and leads to permanent full-time employment or continued permanent full-time employment. For an overview of the STTF program, including a complete of 2017 awards, click here. Additional information is available at www.gstmiworks.org/sttf