Health Careers Expo fuels local talent pipeline amid industry growth

Education

Mar 4

West Michigan Works!, Kent ISD and Kent Career Tech Center invite 7th-12th grade students and their families to explore career opportunities in the rapidly expanding health care field. The third annual Health Careers Expo will take place on March 5, from 5–7 p.m. at Kent Career Tech Center, 1655 E. Beltline Ave. NE. The free career exploration event offers a chance to network directly with 10 local employers, six educators and two community partners, participate in hands-on activities, and receive firsthand information on the hiring process from recruiters.

The Health Careers Expo comes when the industry is experiencing 3% past growth and a projected 7% increase in demand. Nearly 29,300 unique job postings have been published in the past year, including 6,914 postings in the last quarter. Health care jobs in West Michigan feature a median advertised wage of $19.63 per hour.

Top in-demand positions include registered nurses, medical assistants, personal care aides, licensed practical nurses, health technologists and technicians, health services managers, nurse practitioners, phlebotomists, and physical therapists.

“We’re excited to partner with community leaders and local employers for the Health Careers Expo. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain firsthand insight into the health care field, learn about diverse career paths, and connect with professionals who can guide them toward a successful future,” said Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development, Kent ISD. “By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, we’re providing a space for our youth to explore their potential and make informed decisions about their careers.”

Families and educators are encouraged to attend to help students build early connections in the local job market and explore diverse career opportunities in a field that is vital to our regional economy.

“The Health Careers Expo opens doors to entry-level job opportunities, tuition assistance, and strategies for avoiding college debt, while also providing the inside scoop on the daily work of health care professionals,” said Brad Sims, Health Industry Talent Council Lead, West Michigan Works!. “By connecting students directly with local recruiters and experienced practitioners, the Health Careers Expo demystifies the hiring process and equips attendees with real-world insights necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving health care industry.”

Health care careers continue to make a significant impact in the region, accounting for 23 of the top 100 jobs on the 2024 HotJobs! list. The annual report spotlights the top 100+ positions in the region's high-growth industries. Jobs on the list must show at least a 10 percent growth rate, offer a minimum of 50 annual openings, and pay at least $14.30 per hour in counties including Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa.

Since its inception, the Health Careers Expo has experienced remarkable growth. The event welcomed 25 attendees and 13 participating employers in its first year. Bolstered by its strategic partnerships with West Michigan Works! and Kent ISD, last year’s expo attracted 12 employers and 103 participants.

The Health Careers Expo is sponsored by West Michigan Works! and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit https://www.kentisd.org/pub/news/posts/2256.