LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared April 2026 Career Exploration and Awareness Month, joining the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in encouraging residents of Michigan to discovery the many career pathways available to them.

“In Michigan, we’re working hard to ensure all Michiganders have access to the tools they need to get good-paying jobs,” said Gov. Whitmer. “This April, I encourage every Michigander to explore opportunities for their future as part of Career Exploration and Awareness Month.”

According to Whitmer, the state faces an urgent and growing need for talent — requiring more people to earn college degrees, certificates, industry certifications and other high-quality credentials.

Throughout April, LEO will highlight initiatives designed to help individuals explore in-demand industries, develop new skills and access the support they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market.

“During Career Exploration and Awareness Month and beyond, we’re committed to helping Michiganders build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in today’s job market,” said Susan Corbin, director of LEO.

To learn more about in-demand careers and education needed to land these jobs, Michiganders are encouraged to check out Pathfinder, LEO’s free career exploration tool.

Pathfinder assists users in creating an individualized career roadmap and provides information to students, parents, school staff and career counselors to make informed choices about educational and career options.

“Pathfinder is a unique resource that helps people of all ages discover paths to life-changing careers, industries, education and training, right here in our great state,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training.

Resources to help Michigan residents follow career and labor trends include Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook report, which showcases the top in-demand, high-wage occupations expected to see significant growth through 2032; Michigan’s Career Outlook report, which provides multiple lists of in-demand occupations by education and training requirements; and Regional Career Outlook reports, which provide a breakdown of career outlook data in each of the state’s 10 regions.

Individuals who are currently seeking job opportunities should visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect, where they can find more than 80,000 active openings.

Visit LEO’s Employment and Training website to learn more about programs and resources available to help Michiganders connect to career opportunities.

“Whether you’re a young student mapping out your future, thinking about re-entering the workforce, or changing your current profession, Michigan has what you need to succeed, from Pathfinder to workforce programs like Michigan Reconnect,” Whitmer added. “Let’s keep working together to help more workers and families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.