West Michigan is a great place to explore and grow a career
Our area tech centers, local school districts, and the business community are helping students prepare for the future. Certificate programs, career exploration and college readiness initiatives offer students opportunities to find their spark.
The Job Outlook is Good
Over the first half of 2021, an average of 49,000 jobs were posted online per month across West Michigan – more openings than qualified people to fill them!
“Stacking” Experience
Many successful careers get started with a single credential, like a certificate, apprenticeship or some college credits. After some work experience, those can then be “stacked” with additional training, certificates, college courses or a degree to help an individual advance in a career or move to a different one.
West Michigan is Home to:
certificate
programs
universities
geared toward
specific
occupations
at area
intermediate
school
districts
(public, private
& parochial)
In Demand
Here’s a sampling of some of the most in-demand occupations in our area through 2028:
| Occupations | % Growth | # New Jobs Created |
| Healthcare Practitioners & Technicians | 7.0% | 3,140 |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 4.3% | 2,790 |
| Healthcare Support | 13.2% | 2,700 |
| Management Fields | 4,4% | 1,850 |
| Maintenance & Repair | 4.6% | 1,450 |
| Construction Fields | 6.6% | 1,940 |
| Business & Finance | 3.6% | 1,240 |
| Education & Training | 4.6% | 540 |
| Architecture & Engineering | 5.8% | 1,040 |
1Economic Modeling Specialists International, 2019.4 (ESMI)
REAL Stories
As a child, I was constantly doodling. Through Kent Career Tech Center’s graphics program, I recognized my passion for graphic design and screen printing. I was hired by Studio Ink, a print shop in Grand Rapids, within a week of graduating high school. I am now co-owner of Citizenshirt—a full-blown screen printing and design company with 13 employees. My business partner and I are currently refurbishing a 20,000-square-foot facility in Southwest Grand Rapids. We hope to create the most unique screen printing and design company in the region.
Davie Torres, Rockford Native