Lee Industrial Contracting Receives 2nd Largest Going Pro Talent Fund Grant in the State of Michigan
Lee Industrial Contracting Receives 2nd Largest Going Pro Talent Fund Grant in the State of Michigan
Company is Tied for the Largest Grant in Oakland County
Pontiac, Michigan – Lee Industrial Contracting has been awarded a Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) grant for the third straight year. The grant, given by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development, will assist in training Lee Contracting’s team members in Pontiac and Grand Rapids. The company received a $500,000 award for its Pontiac location and $151,400 for its Grand Rapids location. As a result, Lee Contracting is the second-largest grant recipient in the state and is tied for the largest single-location award in Oakland County.
The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must fill a demonstrated talent need and lead to a credential for a transferable skill recognized in the industry.
The grant marks a groundbreaking investment in Lee Contracting’s workforce, connecting essential knowledge and skill progression with organizational growth and strategic advantage. According to Andy Barnum, director of training and development, Lee Industrial Contracting, this initiative centers on three pivotal areas, propelling development through:
- Safety: An array of classes will be offered, concentrating on confined spaces, hot work, fall protection, OSHA classes for safety officers and more.
- Apprenticeships: The fund will bolster the progress of the firm’s 43 apprentices, both in the classroom and on the job, focusing on electrical, plumbing and HVAC (both service and installation).
- Hard Skill Advancement: Comprehensive enrichment opportunities will be provided via certifications to support career advancement in individual employees’ fields of expertise.
Krista Fish, chief human resources and administrative officer, Lee Industrial Contracting, emphasized the critical role of nurturing skilled tradespeople in supporting Michigan’s diverse industries. She said, “In the ever-evolving landscape of Michigan’s skilled trades jobs, many companies find they have a talent skills gap. Lee Contracting’s commitment to our team members’ continual growth and development is not just a priority; it’s the cornerstone of our operations.” Fish Continued, “The investment in our workforce that we will be able to make, due to the Talent Fund grant, not only elevates the capabilities, safety and expertise of our current staff but also serves as a magnet for top-tier talent. It will enable us to cultivate, retain and expand our exceptional workforce. As a result, this allows us to further elevate the quality of service we offer to our clients and customers.”
Since 2014, Going PRO has awarded more than 7,000 grants to companies across the state.
