KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — There is something special taking place in Kalamazoo that could be a major life-altering event for any teenager who isn’t sure what they want to be when they grow up.
It’s called MICareerQuest. It began Tuesday and runs through today at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Employers in just about every manufacturing, communications, service industry and skilled trade have put out displays because they need trained people and can’t find them.
EFE spokesperson Kathy Spackman says it’s free and anyone can stop by. It’s specifically aimed at exposing young students just beginning their high school education to consider some of the dozens of career fields that they may not know even exist.
It can also serve a purpose for older students as well, getting them connected with the professions they are interested in. It’s such a big deal, Gov. Rick Snyder visited the event yesterday, promoting it because he has made preparing the work force to match the available jobs.
The lack of skilled tradesmen in Michigan has actually become an economic issue because employers won’t move here if they cannot find a suitably trained workforce.
The fact is that a good auto mechanic can earn more than most business majors, and an experienced welder has his choice of jobs.
