Career liaison program prepares students for post-high school training opportunities

High school seniors across Michigan who have just graduated can learn about many training opportunities, associate degree programs and apprenticeships

LANSING, Mich. – High school seniors across Michigan who have just graduated and are considering post-high school career options can learn about the many training opportunities, associate degree programs and apprenticeships available for in-demand occupations through a program offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a network of community colleges.

“Talent is the new currency in economic development. By making Michigan students aware of today’s high-demand jobs and the training programs that will prepare them for those jobs, we are ensuring the continued growth of Michigan’s economy,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Career Jump Start is focused on meeting employer needs and will support ways to connect employers, educators and students, building Michigan's workforce together.”

The Career Jump Start Program addresses the critical talent gap facing Michigan employers by promoting high-demand career paths to students. Through a network of Michigan’s community colleges, Michigan Works! agencies, employers, trade unions, chambers and other key organizations, the initiative will educate high school students about associate degree programs, apprenticeships and other training opportunities for occupations that are in high demand by employers.

Students can learn more about the Career Jump Start program by visiting http://www.mitalent.org/career-jump-start/.

Community colleges in 10 regions around the state house “career liaison specialists” who provide resources to high school counselors, administrators, parents and teachers about post-high school training programs that will prepare students for in-demand occupations. Through improved connectivity between employers and the K-12 system, high school graduates in Michigan will be more informed about and connected to high-demand career options.

High-demand jobs in Michigan fall into the following areas: Business/hospitality (logistics, customer service, truck driver, construction); health care (lab technician, emergency medical technician, nurse aid, medical assistant); human services/education (teacher, police officer, fire fighter, criminal justice); manufacturing (welder, utility/line worker, CNC operator, machine operator); and technology (engineers, automotive technician, computer technician, information systems). 

Since its launch in December, the program has connected with more than 250,000 students from 690 school districts around Michigan and enlisted 838 employers.

The regional career liaisons are housed at the following organizations: Alpena Community College, Bay de Noc Community College, Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College, Jackson College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College, North Central Michigan College, and The Workforce Intelligence Network.

Following a recent Career Jump Start event at East Jordan High School, Superintendent Jon Hoover said the program was helpful to students.

“Students benefited from the opportunity to speak with practitioners in the career areas they are interested in. Learning more about the educational path for careers they are interested in is a good lesson for students,” Hoover said. “We haven’t had a career event like this in years and appreciate the effort to put this together for our students.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.