NFPA Michigan Workforce Engagement Group Convenes to Discuss Events and Opportunities

This week, NFPA Workforce Staff hosted a virtual Michigan Workforce Engagement Group meeting. Attendees learned about how NFPA members can get involved with workforce development initiatives in and around the Fast Track Hub in Suburban Detroit.

Below is a list of exciting ongoing opportunities and events to engage with and increase your visibility to students and educators surrounding the Macomb Community College Hub:

• Ongoing Opportunities:
  • Participate in NFPA’s Speaker’s Bureau
    • The Speaker’s Bureau is an opportunity to inspire and excite students about career opportunities in the fluid power industry. There are currently opportunities at local high schools in the Macomb Intermediate School District, as well as with Ken Dulinski’s hydraulics and pneumatics students at Macomb Community College.
  • Hire an Intern through Macomb Community College
    • Internship experiences integrate classroom learning with practical professional experience. Students gain experience and transferable skills while learning about a prospective career, while employers have an opportunity see an early return on investment by developing future employees within your organizational culture and ultimately reducing recruiting, training, and orientation costs if you hire your intern full-time.
  • Host a Facility Tour for Students
    • Facility tours are an engaging way for students to learn about your company’s day-to-day environment and about what careers are available in the fluid power industry.  

• October Events
  • Manufacturing (MFG) Day
    • October 1, 2023
    • This national celebration is manufacturing’s biggest opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about the industry, and build the foundation for the manufacturing workforce of the future.
    • Plug into a local event near you: https://www.mfgday.com/#find
• November Events:
  • MiCareerQuest hosted by Michigan Works! and Oakland County
    • November 14, 2023
    • This in-person event is the region’s largest hands-on career exploration experience for high school students, teachers, and counselors to learn about today’s hottest jobs from working professionals. Exhibitors work in careers in Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Health Sciences & Technology. The event’s capacity for students is 8,000, and 6,000 students have already registered to attend. Exhibitor sign-up is open, so make sure you fill out the form to secure your spot. The cost to exhibit is free.
• December Events:
  • Virtual Job Fair hosted by Macomb Community College
    • December 6, 2023 from 10AM-12PM
    • This virtual event for recent and soon-to-be graduates is an opportunity for students to network with local employers looking to hire Macomb Community College graduates. You will be able to meet potential candidates and promote your open positions.
  • AutoSTEAM Days hosted by Macomb Community College
    • December 6-7, 2023
    • The purpose of this in-person event is to allow students, grades 6-12, to experience potential career fields with hands-on activities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, and Manufacturing (STEAM) disciplines. By gathering local businesses and student influencers they hope to spark conversation about fulfilling careers and how students can chart a path to success in STEAM careers.

If you’re interested in getting involved with any of these events and opportunities in and around the Michigan Fast Track Hub, please reach out to Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.

Similar activities are taking place in the other Fast Track hub regions. Click here to join a Workforce Engagement Group to stay informed of the latest opportunities to recruit and engage with emerging talent in these regions.