MiCareerQuest Northeast introduces students to in-demand career opportunities

Staff reports
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At MiCareerQuest, a career expo event by Michigan Works, students learned about a number of high demand jobs, including how to perform stitches with actual tools used in hospitals.
At MiCareerQuest, a career expo event by Michigan Works, students learned about a number of high demand jobs, including how to perform stitches with actual tools used in hospitals.

ONAWAY — On May 24, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the second MiCareerQuest Northeast event once again introduced students to in-demand careers in northeast Michigan.

The hands-on, career exploration event targeted sixth through 12th grade students, offering interactive exhibits in construction, health care, manufacturing and technology. The purpose of the event is to create awareness of careers available in northeast Michigan, many of which have a talent shortage today and are anticipated to have even greater demand in the future.

Students who attended the MiCareerQuest expo at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway were able to learn about what it takes to become an electrician, how to run wires and remain as safe as possible while performing this in-demand job.
Students who attended the MiCareerQuest expo at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway were able to learn about what it takes to become an electrician, how to run wires and remain as safe as possible while performing this in-demand job.

The event was hosted at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway.

The 2022 MiCareerQuest Northeast event was attended by over 900 students from 22 schools across the 11 county region, including Alpena, Alcona, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Roscommon counties.

The event featured 48 exhibiting organizations, showcasing more than 125 in-demand occupations. Over 75 volunteers from Michigan Works agencies, partner organizations, local community groups, and businesses assisted with the event to make sure everything ran smoothly. More than 150 working professionals participated in the event.

Throughout the region, there is a shortage of firefighters at many of the different departments. Students who attended the event in Onaway were able to learn more about what it takes to become a firefighter, along with a number of other jobs they can pursue after graduation.
Throughout the region, there is a shortage of firefighters at many of the different departments. Students who attended the event in Onaway were able to learn more about what it takes to become a firefighter, along with a number of other jobs they can pursue after graduation.

Posen student Shelby Donajkowski said, “MiCareerQuest provided knowledge on tons of different careers, some of which I have never even heard about. I liked the engagement and the way employers made learning about each career exciting and fun. I wish I had more time to visit each station. I had so much fun and the different prizes, educational pamphlets, and hands-on equipment was amazing.”

Adrianne Dodd, a teacher with Wolverine Community Schools, added that “The event was so incredibly organized and all of the volunteers were so friendly."

"The professionals worked so well with our students and kept them engaged and interested," she said. "This experience was extremely impactful in that it provided opportunities for our students to peer into the life of a working professional in high-demand industries. We felt so energized after attending and are so thankful to have had the chance to participate."

Plumbers are in high demand across the region as there are not as many people going into the skilled trades. The MiCareerQuest event at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway introduces local sixth through 12th graders to different in-demand job options available to them.
Plumbers are in high demand across the region as there are not as many people going into the skilled trades. The MiCareerQuest event at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway introduces local sixth through 12th graders to different in-demand job options available to them.

At MiCareerQuest, students explore four industry quadrants and get to touch, feel and use actual tools, machines, and materials that they’d encounter during a day working in that industry. In addition to interactive exhibits, students had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with experts from the region’s high-demand occupations.

Participation in MiCareerQuest Northeast is free for exhibitors and students. The costs associated with hosting MiCareerQuest are covered by a variety of event sponsors. Iosco RESA and Northeast Michigan Regional Prosperity Initiative were the two main event sponsors.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Jobs in high demand showcased at Michigan Works career expo in Onaway