MiCareerQuest Middle Michigan 2022 is returning to its original in-person format with some innovative improvements. It’s sure to be another engaging and SAFE hands-on career exploration experience for 10th grade students, teachers, and counselors to learn about today’s high-demand jobs from employers. Hosted again by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Michigan Works! Region 7B, MCQMM 2022 will be held October 28 at SVSU’s Ryder Center.
If you’re toying with the idea of attending, here are the top 10 reasons employers should participate:
#10 – Our region’s tight labor market reinforces the urgency of “growing our own” skilled workforce for the future.
With early retirements at an all-time high and unemployment levels returning to low pre-pandemic levels, too many employers are fighting for too few qualified workers. Investments in upgrading the skills of the current workforce and building a talent pipeline for the future are key! An event like MCQMM 2020 is a proactive step in building the pipeline that fuels YOUR industry!
#9 – Students don’t truly understand what kinds of careers are out there!
Teachers and counselors count on you to show and tell them! Career awareness is an essential first step in building students’ understanding of the working world. It shows them options for the future with the hope that each student will find a career that resonates with them in terms of interests, purpose, and inspiration.
#8 – Teachers, counselors, career navigators and parents don’t really understand either!
At MCQMM 2022, you’ll get to interact with teachers, counselors, school career navigators and parent chaperones who learn from you as well. By sharing your career information visually (hands-on) and in discussion with small groups, including these adults, you may impress a message that becomes part of daily interactions back at the school or at the family dinner table.
#7 – You want future job candidates who more “work ready!”
You can play a role in that by helping to ignite a spark that sets students on the readiness path long before they apply for a job with you! Career exploration activities like MCQMM 2022 are intended to help students align their areas of interest with their classes at school and helps them find early work experiences to best hone their employability skills.
#6 – Your time is valuable so the ROI must be high!
If you can only participate in one pipeline building activity, this is the one. The scale and geographic reach is unprecedented!
MCQMM 2022 invites interested students, teachers, counselors, and career navigators from 11 counties. Already, more than 5,000 students are registered – with 2,500 more expected. This represents a rare opportunity for one-on-one contacts on that kind of scale.
Students will be broken up into groups so that each business will have the potential to with thousands of students during the day.
#5 – Attendees are at the right age to influence into your industry’s talent pipeline.
Whereas the previous event in 2019 brought in students of various grade levels, this year will be 10th graders only. These students are at the age where they are just about to make postsecondary education and training decisions as well as CTE commitments. As 15-16 year olds, they are also ready to move into the world of work outside the home. This represents another good opportunity to approach students about summer jobs, co-op programs and internships.
#4 – You might actually learn a thing or two!
Talent attraction is competitive business right now! MCQMM 2022 is a great opportunity to watch what other businesses and industries are doing to attract talent. Observe best practices from companies who have been in the game for a long time and know how to draw students in, engage them in meaningful interaction, and follow-up once students leave the event.
#3 – Make contacts within your industry!
Collaboration is key these days, as evidenced by the strength of the Central Michigan Manufacturing Association, Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association and other industry groups. Connecting with others with the same issues – including talent attraction and retention – can be a powerful tool. Employer participants will work together to plan their booths and the overall industry section presentation for the event. These connections can last long after.
#2 – It’s probably time to update your strategic plans for talent attraction!
The new normal we waited for is finally here! MCQMM 2022 provides a very special opportunity for businesses to update their strategic plans for talent attraction post pandemic. There are a multitude of resources to help with that process. (See below)
#1 – There are so many ways to participate!
MCQMM 2022 offers employers sponsorship opportunities at a multitude of levels to help fund the event. Businesses can also participate for free as an exhibitor or in planning industry sector “set-up” and “make-up” to provide students with a great balance of opportunities.
Be sure to visit www.micareerquestmm.com or follow the event on Facebook at MiCareerQuest Middle Michigan. If you have questions, please free to reach out to:
