8,000 students engage with high-demand careers

AgricultureConstructionHospitalityTechManufacturingHealthEducation

Mar 24

Held at the DeVos Place Convention Center on March 20, nearly 300 professions were represented through 105 employer and educator exhibits, providing students with real-world career insights and hands-on learning opportunities.
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

More than 8,000 students received a firsthand look at career opportunities during MiCareerQuest 2025, West Michigan’s largest career exploration event. Through interactive exhibits and direct engagement with industry professionals, students experienced careers in six high-demand industries: agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, construction, health care, hospitality (new for 2025), and information technology.

Hands-on exhibits included cybersecurity, heavy equipment operation, metal working and fabrication, recreational therapy, greenhouse management, and culinary careers.

“It's super cool there are so many different opportunities,” Lilli Maring, sophomore, Calvin Christian High School. “It’s fun to hang out with my friends and see so many jobs. There are so many jobs I never knew of here in Michigan.”

One of the professionals, Kelly Kroll, first attended MiCareerQuest as a Lowell High School student in 2014. The event introduced her to career paths beyond her mother’s healthcare environment and inspired her to pursue a career in manufacturing human resources. Now an HR Business Partner at Bradford White Corporation, Kroll’s journey exemplifies the lasting impact MiCareerQuest can have on students and the opportunities it provides employers to connect with future talent.

“As a student, MiCareerQuest was the first time I was introduced to any career exploration opportunities. It was cool being interactive and getting to try things out that we’d never experienced before,” said Kroll. “Now, as an employer, I know how important it is to be engaging and show students how this could actually turn into a career, not just a fun day off school.”

With 37.5 million baby boomers expected to retire in the next decade, only 21 million emerging workers are set to replace them, creating a significant workforce gap. The construction industry will be particularly impacted, with 40% of its workforce retiring over the next 10 years. In West Michigan, manufacturing makes up 25% of the workforce, and over half of the 100 Hot Jobs for 2024 identified by West Michigan Works! are in health care. Additionally, the region produces more than 40% of Michigan's total agricultural sales, emphasizing the need for workforce development to support its diverse economy.

“MiCareerQuest is a critical opportunity for students to explore career pathways in high-demand industries, helping to bridge the workforce gap we’re facing as the baby boomer generation retires,” said Jacob Maas, CEO, West Michigan Works!. “By providing students with hands-on experiences and direct engagement with employers, we’re equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.”

The event attracted students from 87 schools in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties, highlighting the broad interest and importance of MiCareerQuest.

“As our students move on to high school, MiCareerQuest is a great way for them to explore career paths and gain new ideas they may not have considered before,” said Tom Casey, teacher, Forest Hills Central Middle School. “Sometimes students aren’t fully aware of what’s out there, and as they decide which classes and electives to take, MiCareerQuest can help them discover potential future careers.”

MiCareerQuest is hosted by West Michigan Works! with the help of more than 1,000 volunteers, and sponsors such as Bradford White.