Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
April 4, 2024
To spotlight the state’s growing need for talent and programs and services in place to help and engage residents in employment, training and educational opportunities, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer encourages Michiganders to explore the many career pathways available to them during April’s celebration of Career Exploration and Awareness Month.
“We want every Michigander to know they can find a good-paying job in whatever field they choose right here in Michigan,” said Gov. Whitmer. “During Career Exploration and Awareness Month, I urge every Michigander, whether they are a young student mapping out their future, re-entering the workforce, or considering a change to their current profession, to utilize the resources available to them to get started on their next step. Together, let’s help every Michigander ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics have created valuable resources to help Michiganders follow career and labor trends. These include Michigan’s Hot 50 report, which covers high-wage, in-demand careers that show a favorable mix of long-term job growth, projected annual job openings, and median wages; Michigan’s Career Outlook report, which provides multiple lists of in-demand occupations by education and training requirements; and Regional Career Outlook reports, which provide a breakdown of career outlook data in each of the state’s 10 regions.
“At LEO, we understand the importance of meaningful employment when it comes to quality of life,” said Director Susan Corbin. “That’s why our work with the Center for Data and Analytics is so critical – it’s part of our all-access approach to ensure Michiganders of all ages have access to the information, resources and opportunities they need to pursue rewarding careers in today’s high-demand, high-wage industries.”
To learn more about the careers and education needed to land these jobs, Michiganders are encouraged to check out Pathfinder, LEO’s career exploration tool. This free online resource helps users create an individualized career roadmap and provides information to students of all ages, parents, school staff and career counselors to make informed choices about educational and career options.
“To help Michiganders secure long-term career success and financial independence, it’s essential they have access to the tools they need to explore pathways they may not have considered,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “By allowing individuals to create personalized career roadmaps, Pathfinder presents valuable information about career opportunities of today and tomorrow, helping prepare each Michigander for a successful and rewarding future.”
Throughout the state, the Michigan Works! network helps Michiganders of all ages explore and pursue career opportunities.
“There are a wide variety of high-wage, high-demand career paths currently available throughout Michigan. Whether you’re looking to join the workforce for the first time, or you are a seasoned employee looking for a change of pace, we can help you identify the career or training path that’s right for you,” said Shelly Keene, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central. “As part of Career Exploration and Awareness Month, our organization is hosting our annual MiCareerQuest West Central event, which provides hands-on career exploration activities for roughly 1,500 ninth-grade students throughout our region. This one-day event provides students the opportunity to talk with real-world professionals about career paths available in our area to potentially spark their future education and career interests.”
Information and a video spotlighting the April 23 MiCareerQuest event is available on Michigan Works! West Central’s website.
Individuals who are currently seeking job opportunities should visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect, where they can find nearly 90,000 active openings.
Career Exploration and Awareness Month also supports the recently-announced Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, which aims to build upon the state’s existing successes in workforce development by providing clear, shared strategies to create jobs and support workers and employers. View the full Statewide Workforce Plan on the Michigan Workforce Development Board web page.
LEO is driving creative and effective solutions for Michigan’s workforce, serving more workforce participants than any other state in the Midwest. Nationally, Michigan ranks #1 in credential attainment for adults, #2 in helping adults get employed and #6 for registered apprenticeships.
Visit Michigan.gov/AllAcess to learn more about supports available to connect Michiganders and businesses with the opportunities and unique resources they need to build a better future.