MiCareerQuest brings high-demand careers to life for thousands of students

AgricultureConstructionHealthHospitalityTechManufacturing

May 26

Written By Staff

More than 8,100 students from across West Michigan explored hands-on career experiences during MiCareerQuest on May 20 at DeVos Place, connecting directly with employers and educators representing the region’s high-demand industries. Hosted by West Michigan Works! and regional industry partners, the annual career exploration event featured 309 professions showcased through 113 interactive exhibits led by 103 employers and educators. Students from 92 schools and homeschool groups across seven West Michigan counties participated in the event.

“MiCareerQuest allows students to see themselves in careers they may have never previously considered while helping employers connect with the future workforce,” said Jacob Maas, Chief Executive Officer, West Michigan Works!. “By creating hands-on experiences and direct interaction with professionals, we’re helping young people better understand the opportunities available in West Michigan’s high-demand industries.”

Groups of 2,500 to 4,000 students moved through the event through four industry areas, including agribusiness and hospitality, health care, construction, and advanced manufacturing. 16 total information technology exhibits were integrated throughout each quadrant to highlight the role technology has across all industries. Students learned about careers that require technical and analytical skills, including computer and information systems manager, management analyst, coder, and software developer, from exhibitors like Atomic Object.

The event was supported by 148 volunteers, including 60 high school students from four regional Career Tech criminal justice programs, who provided operational support throughout the event and gained hands-on leadership and event management experience.

“MiCareerQuest is one of the most impactful workforce events in West Michigan, and it is incredible seeing the level of engagement from both students and local employers,” said Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Grand Rapids Chamber. “Creating this early career awareness for students is critical to building the talent pipeline employers need to remain competitive and support long-term regional growth.”

More than 35,000 people are employed in West Michigan’s hospitality industry. Eight hospitality exhibitors collaborated to showcase 19 occupations spanning food and beverage, lodging, entertainment and recreation, transportation, and event planning. Students visiting the Grand Rapids Symphony exhibit learned about careers, including musician, composer, stage manager, and arts administrator.

Agriculture, Michigan’s second-largest industry, employs 17.2% of the state’s population and contributes $104.7 billion annually to the state’s economy. Agribusiness exhibitors highlighted more than 42 occupations, including climbing arborist, agricultural technician, and food scientist. Students visiting Riveridge Produce explored pest and disease management, quality control, and agricultural marketing by creating their own social media videos.

“We participated in MiCareerQuest for the first time this year, and it was a great opportunity to showcase the variety of careers available in agriculture,” said Trish Taylor, marketing manager at Riveridge Produce. “We were able to give students insight into orchard management, quality control, food safety, and marketing. The event was very well organized, and it was refreshing to see both students and teachers so engaged and eager to learn more about the work we do every day.”

Advanced manufacturing, one of West Michigan’s primary economic drivers, was represented through more than 70 professions showcased by automotive suppliers, furniture manufacturers, automation companies, and welding technology firms. At the DeWys Metal Solutions booth, students participated in hand- and robotic-welding demonstrations featuring collaborative robotic arms and inspection tools.

Construction exhibitors, including Feyen Zylstra, emphasized the industry’s growing workforce demand as approximately 40% of the construction workforce is expected to retire within the next decade. Students explored 54 collaborative exhibits featuring careers such as civil engineer, renewable energy technician, and carpenter.

“We love being part of MiCareerQuest because it sparks interest. Students get hands-on exposure to a career they might not know much about and start to see what’s possible,” said Kim Peters, talent acquisition manager at Feyen Zylstra. “Watching students get curious and excited, especially young women who are underrepresented in the trades, is a big part of why this matters. We’ve also had chaperones come up to learn more, which helps us build relationships with the people who influence students the most, like parents and educators.”

Health care, Michigan’s largest employment sector, featured approximately 65 occupations across 24 exhibits. Students explored careers ranging from entry-level support roles to highly specialized clinical positions. Students interacted with the DaVinci surgical robot and participated in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity activities at Corewell Health’s digital services exhibit.

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