The first event of this kind hosted by the Homemakers was held in April of 2023 at Stephenson High School with about 120 students attending. The Homemakers’ goal was “to give students the opportunity to discover the wide and very diverse wealth of businesses, trades and professionals all around the area,” said President Susan Massarini.

The number of attendees has multiplied each year, growing five-fold: This year, over 700 students attended the career fair at Menominee High School. Schools participating in this event were Carney-Nadeau, Faith Christian-Coleman, Marinette, Menominee, North Central-Powers, Peshtigo, Stephenson, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Marinette.

The first year brought 32 participating vendors to 120 students from three schools; this year, 90 booths were set up to represent opportunities in surrounding communities that surround our area.

“Everyone was amazed to see how many job opportunities actually exist, and at 90, this was only ‘a drop in the bucket’ of the variety of businesses and the positions within each one,” Massarini said. “From learning to fly/pilot an airplane with training from Blue Sky Aviation in Menominee to numerous positions at the YMCA – there were opportunities for everyone!”

Collision Center Manager Maryann Stevens and Hiring and Recruiting Expert Nick Kraus are prepared to talk with people about job opportunities with Gregg Young Automotive Group. (Courtesy photo)

The future can be overwhelming for students, but career fairs have been designed to help upcoming generations become engaged in learning about potential careers in the community and what they need to do to fit the company’s needs. As each year has gone by, the number of students and schools participating in the Homemakers has increased, and the organization is proud to share that 1800 students have visited these events and lined up to gather information to start planning their careers for the future.

“These events are creating a ripple effect as more schools are inquiring and formulating plans for their students to start attending and businesses, trades and professions have been hiring these students while still in school and after graduation,” Massarini shared. “Enstrom Helicopter is just one of the companies that has hired students during the school year and has interns working during the summer.”

To help guide the students educationally, there were technical institutions offering guidance: Bay College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Northern Michigan University all shared infprmation about various programs with students. The CDL & Operators Training School in Spalding brought a 70-foot truck and trailer for the students to tour; Midwest Truck Driving School along with North Country Electrical Line and Heavy Equipment School were in attendance, also.

Students were provided handouts from each place showing the variety of programs that can range from a Certificate, Technical Diploma or Associates Degree. Popular courses at the schools include machining, engineering, nursing, welding and more. NWTC is also starting up a program for being a pilot.

Students currently enrolled in CTE classes for automotive, welding, cosmetology, culinary, machinists, the medical field and more had individuals all in one place to have one-on-one discussions on how to better prepare themselves for life. Many took the time to go back after working their way around the room to ask additional questions on necessary education and training. Trades representatives were able to discuss available apprenticeships.

Marinette County Patrol Deputy Karl Goerlinger and K9 Sander pose for a photo with Maryann Stevens during the career fair held in Menominee by the West Bagley Homemakers. (Courtesy photo)

“Students from prior events have gone on to school for concrete, electrical, welding, heavy duty equipment, the medical field and enlisting in the military,” Massarini said.

The military was in full attendance at the 2026 Homemakers Career Fair with representation from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, the Michigan Civil Air Patrol and the Wisconsin National Guard.

“Joining the military teaches a young person to have a mindset that keeps their head up through both the good and hard times in life. They learn respect, patience and being resilient to constantly changing environments. The students found talking with them to be very eye-opening to the opportunities and events while in or out of their duty,” wrote the Homemakers in a press release.

Some of the most popular booths were those run by local law enforcement and fire departments.

The City of Peshtigo Fire Department had gear that students could try on and were shown CPR and for taking a persons blood pressure and the Fire Chiefs squad was available for inspection. The Middle Inlet Fire Department brought in dive members along with equipment and gear for dive operations. The Menominee Fire Department, along with the Menominee County Fire Association and Stephenson Volunteer Fire Department members, spent time with students advising them how they can volunteer now and give further thought to education and training to become a firefighter.

Board showing ideas for various trades and technical career options. (Courtesy photo)

Law enforcement also drew attention with members from the City of Marinette Police Department, City of Menominee Police, the Marinette County Sheriff’s Department and K-9 dog along with Michigan State Police with their squad available for inspection and the Michigan DNR.

“We are very impressed to have so many these diverse businesses, trades and professionals give of their time, educating not only the students, but also other participants at the event,” sad Massarini. “The added ripple effect is that everyone attending gets to learn about who is in our communities, where they are located, what they do and how they are willing to support our students to keep growing.”

The Homemakers extended special thanks to their sponsors this year: Blue Sky Aviation – Dustin Kurath, Northern Coatings and Chemicals, The City of Peshtigo Chamber of Commerce, The Peshtigo National Bank, and Nicolet National Bank.

This event was possible by Menominee High School, who hosted the fair; Guidance Counselor Nikki Mathieu; the Student Leadership Group and Danita from the Pullman House.

The Homemakers are already preparing for their fifth career fair with an open-to-the-public job fair to be held on April 14, 2027. To coordinate this event, they are asking for additional support/sponsorship.

Donations may be sent to: The Homemakers, ATTN: Sue, P.O. Box 70, Peshtigo, Wisconsin 54157.

For additional information, people may email wbagleyhomemakers@yahoo.com or call Massarini at 715-938-0443.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to participate and are proving that these events are helpful and needed,” wrote the Homemakers. “This is an investment in the lives of these students and will provide job opportunities that are essential to each and every business and homeowner and also to the needs that sustain the future of our communities.”