8,000 Students and Educators to Explore In-Demand Careers

• By the numbers: 8,000 students from 114 schools across six counties exploring 210 high-demand careers.
• Students will explore careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences and technology.
• For more information, including a full list of exhibitors, visit OakGov.com/MiCareerQuestSE.

Pontiac, Mich. – MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest and most interactive career exploration event for high school students, returns for its fourth year on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

More than 8,000 students and educators from 114 schools across six Michigan counties are expected to attend this day-long event, featuring hands-on exhibits and insights into 210 high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences, and technology.

Since its inception in 2018, MiCareerQuest Southeast has provided more than 20,000 students with an opportunity to engage directly with working professionals, explore various fields and gain practical insights into the skills needed for rewarding careers in southeast Michigan. It has become a signature experience for high school students and is highly regarded by educators and employers alike.

“MiCareerQuest Southeast is widely recognized as one of the most unique, interactive and educational field trips available to students each fall,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Our goal is to spark students’ curiosity about the diverse career opportunities in our region, opening doors to fields they may not have considered.”

According to recent data from the College Board, 80 percent of students nationwide seek more career exploration opportunities in high school, and 92 percent want careers aligned with their passions. MiCareerQuest Southeast aims to meet this need, helping students envision future pathways and equipping them with practical knowledge for the workforce.

“MiCareerQuest Southeast is an investment in the future of our students and our community,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “It’s an invaluable experience that connects young people with real-world career opportunities, and we’re grateful to the educators, businesses, and industry partners who make it possible.”

At MiCareerQuest Southeast, students will rotate through four distinct career quadrants – advanced manufacturing, construction, health sciences and technology. Each quadrant showcases 25-30 occupations that are projected to see strong demand in the coming years across southeast Michigan.

Highlights of this year’s interactive exhibits include:

• Advanced Manufacturing: Electric vehicle design, augmented reality welding, robot programming, CNC machining, and 3D additive manufacturing.
• Construction: Hands-on demonstrations in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, and heavy machine operation simulators.
• Health Sciences: Mock surgeries with life-like mannequins, physical therapy exercises, nutritionist presentations, and prosthetic design.
• Technology: Computer software programming, augmented reality applications, and cybersecurity exercises.

“We’re excited to sponsor MiCareerQuest Southeast again this year,” said Tom Laco, lead technical recruiter at Mobis North America. “As a global leader in the automotive sector, Mobis is committed to supporting the development of future talent, particularly in emerging fields like autonomous driving, electrification, and software engineering.”

MiCareerQuest Southeast is exclusively open to pre-registered schools, with each group assigned a two-hour session based on their proximity to the venue. Sessions begin at 8:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., with students spending 30 minutes in each career quadrant.

Schools from across southeast Michigan, including Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Monroe, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, will participate. Larger groups of students are expected from schools like Romeo High School (450 students), Oxford High School (425 students) and Fraser High School (400 students).

The event is organized by Oakland County Michigan Works! in collaboration with Michigan Works! agencies across southeast Michigan, the Oakland County Department of Economic Development, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, local education and economic development partners, and a number of labor organizations.

Key sponsors include presenting sponsors Oakland County Michigan Works!, Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair, Michigan Works! Southeast, SEMCA Michigan Works!, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Magna and Mobis North America. Additional support comes from gold sponsors such as Oakland Community College, Macomb Community College and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, as well as several silver sponsors including Barton Malow, Trinity Health and Genisys Credit Union.

For more information, including a full list of exhibitors, visit OakGov.com/MiCareerQuestSE.