On Friday, October 20, around 2,000 9th grade students will visit Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center to explore Michigan’s 6 Career Pathways and meet with Berrien County industry representatives during Career Pathway Day 2023, hosted by Berrien RESA, Michigan Works! and Lake Michigan College.
“Area 9th graders will have the chance to explore their career interests during Career Pathway Day 2023,” said Berrien RESA Assistant Superintendent and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Regional Director Chris Machiniak. “For many of our students, 9th grade is a time when they first discover what they want to pursue after high school. Career Pathway Day provides a fun, interactive environment that allows students to learn more about different jobs and the skills needed to become employed in specific industries.”
Machiniak explained that this is not a job fair, but a career exploration opportunity. Students will be interacting with engineers, business owners, emergency medical technicians, biologists, agriculture consultants, office managers, bankers, veterinarians and others to gain a first-hand understanding of what it means to work in that field. Area employers will benefit too. The event brings industry leaders and students together to help close the “skills gap” that we are experiencing in our region.
“We’re excited to partner with Berrien RESA and Lake Michigan College to bring hands-on experiences to youth in our communities,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “We are hoping to see youth stopping at every booth, learning about every industry, and connecting to education opportunities that can eventually lead them to a career. This is a great opportunity to influence the future workforce.”
The event will commence with an overview of Career Pathway Day activities at the Mendel Center’s Mainstage followed by a career expo in Grand Upton Hall.
Employers will be organized into sections based on Michigan’s 6 Career Pathways: Arts & Communication; Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology; Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technology; Health Sciences; Human Services; and Natural Resources and Agriscience.
College representatives from Andrews University, Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, Western Michigan University and military personnel will be onsite to answer students’ questions. Additionally, veteran high school Career & Technical Education students will be on hand to share their CTE class experiences with their 9th grade peers.
Participating companies include:
Manufacturing/Engineering
● Lyons Industries
● PIC Global Energy Services
● Ironworkers Union
● Gaishin Manufacturing
● Lindberg
● Max 3 (Maximum Mold)
● BOSS Services
● SEMI Foundation
● Roberts Service
● Whirlpool
● Eagle Technologies
Health
● Corewell Health
● Great Lakes Eye Care
● Beacon Health Systems
● Medic 1
Human Services
● U.S. Army
● YMCA
● M Squared Modern Hair
● Berrien County Road Commision
● Michigan State Troopers
● Berrien County Sheriff’s Department
Business
● Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren
● Whirlpool
● Greenstone Farm Credit Services
Arts & Communication
● Reazons2Share
● Krasl Art Center
Natural Resources / Ag
● Love Creek Nature Center
● Lounsbury Excavation
● Two by Two Animal Hospital
● And, many more!
Students can also learn more about large equipment used in specific fields including a fire truck, ambulances, a food truck (LaChula), Berrien County Road Commission vehicles and a semi truck.
The event is being hosted by Lake Michigan College in collaboration with Berrien RESA and Michigan Works!
“Lake Michigan College is proud to host the 2023 Career Pathway Day.” Said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College. “At LMC, we believe that every individual deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, and Career Pathway Day is a testament to that. By bringing together industry leaders, educators, and talented students, we aim to inspire, connect, and illuminate the diverse career pathways available to our students.”
Headline photo: previous Career Pathways Day
