April 2024: Career Exploration and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, it is critical for Michiganders to understand the many career pathways available to them and to have the resources and tools to actively engage in career exploration throughout their life; and,

WHEREAS, the state faces an urgent and growing need for talent, and, to meet that need, many more people must earn college degrees, certificates, industry certifications, and other high-quality credentials; and,

WHEREAS, we must better prepare Michigan residents to understand the workplace of today and that the future requires lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, the state has set the Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of our working-age population attain a postsecondary education or skills certificate by 2030, so more Michiganders have the skills they need to succeed in rewarding careers; and,

WHEREAS, the many programs and services the state provides including Michigan Reconnect, registered apprenticeships, and the Michigan Achievement Scholarships help upskill and provide tuition-free or low-cost education paths to good-paying, in-demand careers; and,

WHEREAS, parents, counselors, educators, career coaches, and other influencers of the state’s young people and job seekers should have meaningful conversations about the different career options available to Michigan students and job seekers to ensure they are aware of the skills needed for high-wage, in-demand careers; and,

WHEREAS, these conversations must continue as people navigate career options and make changes in their employment and education goals; and,

WHEREAS, there are several career planning tools available to young students as well as adults who are launching a career or re-entering the workforce; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) supports initiatives such as Young Professionals, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, Talent Tours, and career exploration and experience events to provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore career options; and,

WHEREAS, LEO has made career exploration tools, like Pathfinder, the state’s free, online career exploration tool, available to assist residents with career exploration and identifying educational opportunities throughout the state; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Works! network collaborates with employers across industry sectors to offer training programs such as registered apprenticeships and to expand existing training programs, to connect job seekers with these career opportunities; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders are encouraged to explore the many options and multiple career pathways which include pursuing credentials, certificates, and degrees;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as Career Exploration and Awareness Month in Michigan.