Local Businesses Receive More Than $470,000 for Employee Training

News Release                                

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2015

 

Media Contact:           Dan Boss

                                    Communication Specialist

                                    231-929-5047

                                    danboss@networksnorthwest.org                                                                 

 

Local Businesses Receive More Than

 $470,000 for Employee Training

 

TRAVERSE CITY, MI –Thirteen Grand Traverse area businesses have received grants totaling more than $470,000 from the Michigan Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The grants, applied for through Northwest Michigan Works!, will help the companies train new and incumbent workers in a variety of skills.

The largest grant in the Grand Traverse area went to Beckman Production Services, a well servicing company in Kalkaska. The company received $138,719 from the STTF.

“In the months to come we will be giving our employees training that will set them apart in the oil and gas industry,” said Erica Wilson, DOT/Safety Administrator at Beckman Production Services in Kalkaska. “It would not have been possible to provide all of the training we are planning to provide to our employees without this grant.”

Bay Motor Products in Traverse City received a $32,440 STTF grant to train their employees. The company manufactures A.C. motors, fans and blowers used in various applications such as battery chargers, welders, duct boosters, refrigerators and microwave ovens. 

”One way Bay Motor Products used its STTF grant was to increase the organization’s growth with Lean Manufacturing training, which led to a stronger skill set of our employees,” said Andy Robitshek of Bay Motor Products. “We are better able to meet the needs and demands of our larger customers, therefore keeping more jobs and revenue from going to competitors producing products outside of the United States.”

The STTF provides competitive awards for employer responsive training that enhances talent, productivity, and employment retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s businesses. The grants are awarded to help ensure that Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow, and individuals have the skills they need for in-demand jobs. 

More information about the STTF is available at: networksnorthwest.org/skilledtradestraining