West Michigan Works! has launched the Career Exploration Events website to help students, their parents and guardians, and teachers easily access upcoming career exploration events across the region. The tool, developed as an initiative of the West Michigan Works! Industry Talent Councils, is designed to be a centralized resource for connecting families and educators to real-world career learning experiences and career exploration opportunities.
“The West Michigan Works! Career Exploration Events website is such a valuable tool for families,” said Krista Harmon, Workforce Development Consultant at Kent ISD. “It brings together schools, community groups, and businesses in one place to share career events that parents and students can easily register for. Families get the support and opportunities they need, while employers can inspire and connect with the next generation of talent; it truly is a win for everyone.”
The West Michigan Works! Career Exploration Events website features a shared calendar of career exploration events hosted by schools, Industry Talent Councils, businesses, and community partners. Events are categorized by county and grade level, helping students and families easily find relevant, hands-on learning opportunities across the seven-county West Michigan region.
“We hear from employers every day about the need for skilled, motivated talent and that talent pipeline starts with awareness,” said Amy Lebednick, Director of Business Solutions, West Michigan Works! “The West Michigan Works! Career Exploration Events website makes it easier for everyone to discover what’s possible. Whether it’s a career fair or a hands-on workshop, these experiences spark curiosity, support classroom learning and shape future career paths. We’re proud to work alongside our Industry Talent Councils and community partners to make these opportunities more accessible than ever.”
Each major industry sector – agribusiness, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, technology, and construction – has a dedicated page that includes a list of related career events, information about local employers, schools offering aligned programs of study and a link to curated resources from West Michigan Works! Industry Talent Councils. Users can also subscribe to receive email updates directly from council leaders about new events.
“With seven ISDs and nearly 100 high schools across West Michigan, students and families have access to a range of career exploration events, but it hasn’t always been easy to find them,” said Amy Lebednick, Director of Business Solutions, West Michigan Works!. “This new system brings everything together in one place. It’s a powerful tool for connecting students to hands-on, face-to-face career experiences that help them think critically about their future and take meaningful steps toward it.”
Access the West Michigan Works! Career Exploration Events website at the link below.
