December is Career Exploration and Awareness Month
In a year where absolutely everything seems out of the ordinary, career exploration is no different. When schools paused classroom learning and businesses limited the number of individuals allowed in their offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the various approaches used to introduce students and parents to good careers were disrupted. In-person job and career fairs, internships and hands-on lab work all went on hiatus.
Effective career exploration and internship opportunities are essential in helping students recognize a wealth of career options and choices. Connection to education and skills pathways for those careers is crucial. That is why Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared December 2020 Career Exploration and Awareness Month.
There is a critical need for Michiganders to understand the wide variety of career pathways available to them, and to have the resources and tools to actively engage in career exploration throughout their life. Michigan is facing a continually growing need for talent, made more urgent by the pandemic. The Governor has set forth a goal of reaching a 60 percent postsecondary educational attainment rate by 2030 – commonly referred to as 60 by 30.
It is imperative that parents, counselors, coaches, and influencers of the state’s youth make an extra effort to regularly have meaningful conversations with students about the different career options available to them, as many Michigan students leave high school and college without the knowledge of the skills needed for high-demand, high-wage careers. These conversations need to continue as adults navigate career options and make changes in employment and education.
There are several career planning and exploration tools available to Michigan residents, whether they are just launching their career or re-entering the workforce including Pathfinder and Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
The Michigan Works! network is proud to play an integral part in assisting employers across industry sectors in establishing training programs such as Registered Apprenticeships and expanding existing training programs as well as helping job seekers connect to these career opportunities to create a diverse pipeline of skilled workers to meet the industry’s talent needs.
Now, more than ever, Michigan residents must better understand they have many options and that there are multiple career pathways which include pursuing stackable credentials, certificates, and degrees. Michigan Works! is here to better prepare Michigan residents to understand that the workplace of today and the future requires lifelong learning.
You can find more information about the Michigan Works! network and the services offered at www.michiganworks.org.
Luann Dunsford, CEO, Michigan Works! Association