Michigan Business Beat | Amirika Richardson, CAMW!, and T3, Discusses MiCareerQuest Capital Area

Michigan Business Network

Originally uploaded July 2, re-edited August 30, 2024. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Amirika Richardson, CAMW, and T3, she discusses MiCareerQuest Capital Area, an event that provides a unique interactive experience to connect students with potential career pathways. Question: What is MiCareerQuest Capital Area? ● MiCareerQuest is a career exploration experience that introduces high school students to high-demand, high-wage jobs in the Lansing area. ○ The event offers students and employers the opportunity to make connections through hands-on activities with a focus on highlighting roles in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) related industries. ○ In total, the event will introduce more than 3,000 students to 70 industry exhibitors. ● MiCareerQuest Capital Area provides an interactive platform for students to explore various career pathways available right here in the Capital region. ○ The exhibits are uniquely created for students to participate in activities that promote a deeper understanding of different occupations and introduce them to new jobs they may be unfamiliar with. ○ Exhibitors showcase the best of their trade so students get to witness firsthand what career opportunities might be available to them. ○ The experiential environment gives students the ability to explore career paths in an engaging way. ○ Some exhibitions from the past include: ■ Navigating the state-of-the-art technology that controls the functions of heavy vehicles such as Granger recycling trucks. ■ Experiencing the inner workings of an emergency management mobile command center. Question: How does MiCareerQuest Capital Area benefit students? ● We believe that every young adult should have access to resources and information that will help them plan their future. ○ Our mission is to give students a vision of available career pathways located in their community. ● The event showcases a variety of careers in a wide range of industries. ○ Engineering, manufacturing and industrial technology. ○ Business, information technology, arts and communication. Question: How does MiCareerQuest Capital Area benefit employers? ● Employers can engage with potential future employees and spark interest in the younger members of our workforce. ○ Through their participation as an active, hands-on exhibitor, employers help youth better understand the jobs available in their region. ○ Additionally, the event allows employers to showcase the impacts their organizations have on our region's workforce and economy. Question: What is T3 and how are they involved with MiCareerQuest Capital Area? ● T3, also known asTeach. Talent. Thrive., is the organization that spearheads the MiCareerQuest Capital Area event. ○ It is a council of businesses created to support education and talent development in the capital area. ○ T3’s initiative utilizes partnerships with area schools and local businesses to educate the future workforce. ● T3 offers a variety of classes to help develop employable skills and prepare participants for new opportunities, including: ○ Interview preparation classes. ○ Brand social media etiquette courses. ● More information about T3 can be found on the Capital Area Michigan Works! website by visiting https://www.camw.org/t3. Question: When does MiCareerQuest Capital Area take place? How can employers get involved? ● MiCareerQuest Capital Area is on December 3rd, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Lansing Center. ● Employers can register at https://www.micareerquestcapitalarea.com/employer to create an exhibit and participate. ○ The deadline to register is August 31. ○ To register, employers will complete five steps: ■ Complete the Exhibitor Agreement Form. ■ Complete the exhibit information. ■ Turn in your organization's logo. ■ Complete career pathway card. ■ Pay invoice. ● For further questions, contact T3 education officer Amirika Richardson at [e-mail] or 517-492-5507