Over 1,800 Northern Michigan Students Explore Career Opportunities at 6th Annual MiCareerQuest Northwest

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025

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Over 1,800 ninth graders from more than 20 northern Michigan school districts participated in the region’s largest career exploration event on May 8th in Traverse City. Held at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, MiCareerQuest Northwest provides students the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers through a hands-on, interactive experience. Over 50 local employers participated, featuring high-demand, high-wage occupations in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, IT, human services, agriculture and hospitality. Students talk one-on-one with working professionals while using actual workplace equipment, tools and technology; making the connection between classroom learning and real-world jobs.

Northwest Michigan Works! a program of Networks Northwest hosted the event, bringing together employers, students and schools for the sixth year in a row.

“Participation in the MiCareerQuest program is essential for businesses to engage with and inspire our future workforce,” said Brenda McLellan, Vice President of Investor Engagement with Traverse Connect.  “This hands-on, interactive event not only helps students discover career pathways but also ensures a pipeline of skilled talent tailored to our region's needs, driving both community strength and economic growth.”

In addition, ninth grade Kalkaska student Aaliyah Hillier states, "I haven’t thought about thinking of my career until now. It’s been really fun here because I got to learn things about jobs that I’ve never thought of doing before."

More information about MiCareerQuest Northwest, including photos from this year’s event is available at networksnorthwest.org/micqnw.