West Michigan Works! to host dual family-friendly career events in Muskegon
MUSKEGON, Mich. – May 2, 2024 – West Michigan Works! will host two family-friendly career events aimed at promoting diverse career opportunities in Muskegon. The Health Care Career Fair Carnival and the Career AG-xploration will both be held on Saturday, May 4. Both events are open to the public, with registration encouraged but not required.
The Health Care Career Fair Carnival will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MOKA, 715 Terrace St. Attendees will be treated to a lively carnival atmosphere with free children’s attractions including a bounce house, glitter tattoo artist and balloon animal artist. Attendees that interact with carnival exhibitors will receive free tokens redeemable for food or other items at the local farm market. Healthcare employers from various sectors will be present to conduct on-site interviews and discuss the advantages of careers in health care, including competitive wages and advancement opportunities. The Career Fair Carnival is being held by the West Michigan Health Careers Council.
The Career AG-xploration event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W Western Ave. This event offers attendees a chance to delve into the world of agriculture and food processing through interactive and engaging activities. Career AG-xploration is an opportunity for students and families to learn about the significant role agribusiness plays in West Michigan’s economy and the variety of careers available, many of which do not require a four-year degree. Career AG-xploration is being held by the Agribusiness Talent Council.
“These two unique career events highlight the dynamic opportunities available in Muskegon’s healthcare and agribusiness industries while engaging the entire family in the process,” said Karrie Brown, business solutions manager for Industry Talent Councils, West Michigan Works!. “ By connecting job seekers directly with top employers and providing hands-on experiences, we aim to inspire and cultivate the next generation of professionals in these vital sectors. We encourage everyone in the community to join us for a day of discovery and opportunity.”
Participating employers in the Health Care Career Fair Carnival include Trinity Health, MOKA, Services of Hope Counseling, St. John’s Health Care, Lakeshore Home Health Care Services, Hope Network, Hackley Community Care and Serenity Wellness Chiropractic Center.
Employers will be hiring for positions like Residential Support Staff, Mental Health Therapist, Registered Nurses, Home Health Aides, Rehabilitation Technician, Medical Assistant and Patient Care Assistant.
Competition among employers for skilled employees in the healthcare industry in Muskegon is high. A Lightcast industry snapshot report highlights Muskegon as a significant center for healthcare employment. While the national average for healthcare employees in similarly sized areas is 8,514, Muskegon boasts 9,644 healthcare workers. Furthermore, Muskegon exceeds the national average of 191 monthly job postings, with 315 postings, indicating robust job opportunities in the local healthcare sector.
Participating organizations in the Career AG-xploration event include the Muskegon Conservation District, Waggle Dance Honeybees, Continental Dairy Facilities, Leprino Foods, Baker College, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute of Agriculture Technology, Michigan State University Product Center, Career Tech Center, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm, Lively Up Kombucha, The Pasturage and Salt & Fire Fresh Grill.
Michigan agriculture sector, one of the most diverse in the U.S., produces over 300 commodities, leading the nation in the production of asparagus, black and small red beans, marigolds and squash. Contributing more than $104.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, agriculture is a cornerstone of Michigan’s economic landscape. The industry employs over 805,000 people, accounting for more than 17% of the state’s total manufacturing employment and making it the second-largest industry in Michigan. The state is home to 44,300 farms, averaging 211 acres each, covering a total of 9.2 million acres.
For more information about the Health Care Career Fair Carnival, visit wmihealthcareers.org/get-involved.
For more information about Career AG-xploration, visit wegrowmi.org/ag-xploration.