Career Readiness Conference
Career Readiness Conference 2026
West Michigan’s future depends on how we prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities. The Career Readiness Conference brings together educators, employers, and workforce leaders to spark collaboration, share strategies, and co-design real pathways from classroom to career.
Why it Matters
With a shrinking talent pool, rising retirements, and a changing world of work, education and industry must align like never before. This conference equips teachers, counselors, administrators, and business partners with actionable tools to help students explore careers, gain job-ready skills, and build confidence for success.
Last year, over 100 educators and manufacturers came together to design career pathways and tackle talent shortages head-on. Their insights—on culture, mechanical confidence, student engagement, and collaboration—are shaping this year’s agenda.
What to Expect
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Industry Insights: Learn from leaders in healthcare, IT, agribusiness, manufacturing, and construction on current and future workforce needs.
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Actionable Strategies: Hear real success stories and proven models for connecting education with industry.
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Meaningful Connections: Collaborate with peers and partners who share your commitment to building Michigan’s talent pipeline.
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Professional Credit: Earn SHRM credits and SCECH hours.
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Who Should Attend: Educators, employers, and community leaders ready to move from talk to action and help shape Michigan’s workforce future
