Audit finds fault in Michigan job training program, claims $59M misspent

September 19, 2026

A Michigan state audit revealed that the Going Pro Talent Fund, designed to provide workforce training and credentials, improperly spent over $59 million reimbursing employers for basic on-the-job training instead of funding skills education as intended. Between 2022 and 2025, the program distributed $182. 5 million to 3,296 businesses, but auditors found that one-third of this funding violated program requirements by covering orientation and new-hire onboarding rather than credential-granting training.

Who is affected

Michigan taxpayers whose funds were used for the program
2,245 unfunded applicants (totaling $93 million in requests) who may have qualified for funding
3,296 businesses that received awards between 2022 and 2025
Workers in manufacturing (representing half of program beneficiaries) and other industries
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, led by Director Susan Corbin
Michigan residents impacted by the state's drop to 39th in US educational attainment rankings

What action is being taken

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is completing a more formalized internal review manual
The agency is identifying record keeping improvements
The state has reduced the Going Pro budget from $32 million to $14.4 million for the 2027 fiscal year (starting Oct. 1)

Why it matters

This audit reveals significant accountability issues in how Michigan invests taxpayer dollars in workforce development at a critical time when the state has fallen to 39th in national educational attainment rankings. The misuse of $59 million for basic employee orientation and onboarding—rather than credential-granting training that genuinely boosts skills and wages—undermines the program's core mission and may have prevented nearly $93 million in legitimate training requests from being funded. This matters because effective workforce training is essential for improving Michigan's competitive position and workers' earning potential, and misallocated resources directly impact both economic development goals and individual workers seeking to advance their careers.

What's next

The auditors are suggesting that the Legislature clarify and better define basic training requirements for Going Pro funds to prevent future misuse of the program.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com