Join us for the eighth annual Career Readiness Conference—Building Michigan’s Future Workforce, brought to you by TalentFirst, The Right Place | Manufacturers Council and Discover Manufacturing.
This free, one-of-a-kind event brings K–12 and postsecondary educators, employers, and workforce leaders together to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of West Michigan’s talent pipeline.
- WHEN: March 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
- WHERE: GVSU Allendale Campus
- COST: FREE
Who should attend
Educators, employers, industry professionals, and workforce leaders ready to move from talk to action and strengthen West Michigan’s talent pipeline. – Bring your team to maximize collaboration and impact-sharing opportunities.
Why this conference matters
This is where education and industry convene to collaborate—to swap insights, share what works, and build real pathways so students are ready for what’s next.
- Educators will: Get a clear view of the skills employers value most and take home practical strategies to help students explore careers, apply learning, and build confidence
- Employers will: See how to shape your future workforce through school partnerships and design experiences that spark interest, develop job-ready skills, and strengthen the next generation of talent
What you’ll do
- Workforce data deep dives: Candid briefings on talent supply/demand in Healthcare, IT, Agribusiness, Manufacturing, and Construction—plus concrete steps to close education-to-industry gaps.
- Engaging breakouts: Real playbooks from educators and employers on work-based learning, apprenticeships, classroom-to-career alignment, and scalable partnership models.
- Purposeful networking: Build connections with the people actively shaping our region’s talent.
- Earn Professional Learning Credits: Earn SHRM credits and SCECH hours.
This year’s conference is made possible with support from: Allegan Area ISD, Kent ISD, MiSTEM Network Greater West Michigan, Michigan Works! West Central, Muskegon Area ISD, Ottawa Area ISD, Grand Valley State University, and West Michigan Works!.
Can’t make it? Please share with a colleague who would benefit.
Questions? Contact Lisa Hungerford at l.hungerford@talentfirst.net.