Inclusive hiring event unlocks opportunities in Michigan's thriving agribusiness sector
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! and its Agribusiness Talent Council will host an Ag-Jobs-4-All Job Fair with a focus on inclusive hiring for veterans, returning citizens, individuals with disabilities and refugees. All job seekers are invited to attend the hiring event on March 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the West Michigan Works! SE Service Center, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, Grand Rapids.
"Agribusiness in Michigan includes not only traditional farming, but so much more. It's a vast and varied field that remains essential to Michigan's prosperity," said Jessica VandenBosch, Human Resource Lead, Dykhuis Farms. "The sector encompasses a range of professionals that fuel our communities and economy."
Agribusiness contributes more than $104 billion annually to the state's economy. From production to processing and distribution, the industry employs 1 in 5 Michiganders, offering careers across a spectrum from entry-level to advanced degrees in roles essential to bringing food from farms to tables. Kent County alone boasts 51,478 direct jobs with total direct wages of $2.1 billion, generating an economic output of over $8 billion.
In addition to bolstering Michigan's economy and creating jobs, agribusiness opens up chances for individuals seeking opportunity. The Ag-Jobs-4-All Job Fair will feature employers of choice actively seeking to enrich their teams with candidates from opportunity populations.
"Our goal is to leverage the potential of these often-underrepresented groups, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities that can transform their lives while filling talent gaps for employers," said VandenBosch.
The Ag-Jobs-4-All Job Fair will feature Roskam Baking, SnackCraft, Hortech, JBS and Michigan Turkey Producers. Attendees can explore careers ranging from entry-level production positions, machine operators, and maintenance technicians to electricians and office positions in finance, sales, and human resources.
The agribusiness industry represented 28 out of the 100 high-demand positions in the West Michigan Works! 2023 Hot Jobs Report. These occupations are defined as those with a significant number of open positions in the current job market, are expected to see considerable growth in the next five years and can lead to self-sufficiency through living wages and opportunities for advancement.
For more information on the Ag-Jobs-4-All Job Fair visit wegrowmi.org/ag-jobs-4-all-job-fair.
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