Written by Tanya Terry
Genesee County Native Steve Malenich, general superintendent of production of Fessler & Bowman, is one individual who has received support through his company, which received funding from Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund. The Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
Malenich has been with Fessler & Bowman for 26 years, starting as a laborer. After a year and a half, he became a foreman. Then, he entered his current role as superintendent. which he has served in for almost a year.
Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, Malenich received training from EctoHR. The training was called “Building Better Leaders.”
“It helped me train to look at different avenues on how to handle situations better…” explained Malenich. “…I spend my days putting my knowledge into new team members to help them learn for new goals – like for newer foremans and newer employees.”
Malenich stated the training lasted the majority of the workday for about a full work week. He called a lot of what he learned “team bonding.”
“We did some projects on how to work with one another, and people you don’t know,” he said.
Malenich told the Courier the training helped him to be more open-minded and see how everyone is different and thinks differently. This encouraged him to improve the way he talks to people, including Flint Genesee Job Corps Center students.
“We took on nine kids from the Job Corps. I held three days of training…Then, we put them out in the field…They’ve done everything. They’ve done a little bit of masonry. They’ve done a little bit of carpentry.”
The students were taught new skills at the Bavarian Inn Waterpark in Frankenmuth.
In addition, a graduation and signing day recently took place for these students.
“Out of the nine kids, we have five kids that are going to be on board with Fesseler & Bowman.”
The students were hired as laborers to start and may enter other positions as time goes on.
Malenich also used his skills with about 15 students from the Clarkston schools who were in a construction trade class. These students built a house for their community as part of their co-op class.
According to Malenich, he and his team plan to work with other students in the future.
He even said the training he received has helped him to become a better father!
Stephanie Beckhorn, director of the Office of Employment and Training at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity talked to the Courier about Michigan being #2 in the nation for helping residents get and stay employed.
The number one state in the nation for helping adults get employed is Mississippi.
Beckhorn, however, said Michigan’s high ranking is a testament to the state’s partnership with the local Michigan Works agencies.
“We’re not only supporting employers in our state to make sure they have access to qualified candidates and have a team dedicated to doing that…but we also have a team meeting directly with the job seeker,” said Beckhorn.
Beckhorn said the team works to provide training so these job seekers can get a good job and so that barriers are removed, such as transportation barriers.
“Workers are seeing a 9% increase in their wages,” Beckhorn said.
Beckhorn pointed out these workers will be investing the increased earnings in the community.
Beckhorn pointed out other ways GoingPro Talent Fund also helps to improve the state’s economy.
“For those employers that are getting grants, that makes that employer much more competitive. They have a workforce that has increased and improved skills. So, now that company is diversified – is going after more contracts and grants. They’re more proficient in their production because of this skilled workforce. That means opportunities for growing and expanding business in the community, and they’re investing more in their community.”
More than 175,000 Michiganders and 7,100 businesses have received workforce and training support through the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund. Most recently in June, Governor Whitmer announced $17.8 million in funding to more than 300 Michigan businesses. And even more Michiganders will receive support with the Legislature approving $54.8 million for Going Pro in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
For more information about the GoingPro Talent Fund, email: LEO-TalentFund@michigan.gov
