MiCareerQuest to bring interactive career exploration to nearly 9,000 Students

EducationAgricultureHealthTechManufacturingConstruction

Feb 20

Nearly 9,000 students from more than 85 West Michigan middle and high schools will have the chance to engage in interactive experiences of more than 250 high-demand career opportunities at MiCareerQuest. The immersive career exploration event takes place on March 27 at the DeVos Place Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event sponsorship applications are being accepted through February 29. For the MiCareerQuest sponsorship form visit micareerquest.org.

Students from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties will learn about career opportunities within West Michigan's five high-demand industries: advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, health sciences, and information technology across 115 exhibits. Students will talk with employers at each interactive station about their career.

"The generous support of MiCareerQuest sponsors is a central pillar of the event, enabling us to offer memorable career exploration for students across West Michigan," said Chad Patton, director of development and innovation, West Michigan Works!. "Sponsors are investing in the future of our workforce and empowering the next generation to discover their passions and potential career paths."

Sponsorship recognition can include an opportunity to address business leaders prior to the VIP tour, a speaking opportunity at an industry leader appreciation event, recognition on banners throughout the event seen by 9,000 students and educators and 1,200 volunteers and exhibitors, plus website and social media recognition.

Corporate sponsors include West Michigan Works!, Bradford White, Virtual InnoTech, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, University of Michigan Health-West, Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan, Array of Engineers, Allendale Community Foundation and Wyoming Community Foundation.

Industry sponsors include West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local Union No. 174, West Michigan IBEW Local 275, Corewell Health, Autocam Medical, Operating Engineers 324, Rockford Construction, Pine Rest, Herbruck's Poultry Ranch, Inc., Fleis & VandenBrink, Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, GR Tooling & Automation, Wolverine Coil Spring Co., Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and Michigan Boating Industries Association.

Education Sponsors include Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan Technological University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University and Kent Intermediate School District.

Created in 2015 by West Michigan Works!, Kent Intermediate School District, and the Construction on Workforce Development Alliance (CWDA), MiCareerQuest is a career exploration event for middle and high school students that addresses employers’ need for future talent. One-on-one conversations with professionals and hands-on activities open students’ eyes to the wealth of career opportunities in West Michigan’s high-demand industries. For more information, photos and videos, visit micareerquest.org.