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Career opportunities highlighted at Newberry Area Career Fair
The Newberry Area Career Fair connected over 800 job seekers with 75+ regional employers, highlighting in-demand skills and career pathways in manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging sectors for individuals aged 16-35.
Newberry, Michigan – The Newberry Area Career Fair, held on October 26, 2023, at the Newberry Community Center, served as a pivotal platform connecting over 800 job seekers with more than 75 regional employers. Organized by the Newberry Economic Alliance in partnership with the Luce County Chamber of Commerce, the event aimed to address local talent needs and provide tangible career pathways for individuals aged 16 to 35. Attendees explored opportunities across diverse sectors, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and emerging technology roles, reflecting the dynamic shifts within the Upper Peninsula’s employment landscape. The fair emphasized direct engagement, offering on-site interviews, resume reviews, and insights into current hiring trends and future skill demands.
This year’s fair marked a significant increase in both employer participation and attendee numbers compared to previous years, underscoring a robust local commitment to workforce development. Sarah Jenkins, Director of Workforce Development at the Newberry Economic Alliance, highlighted the event’s strategic importance. “Our goal was to bridge the gap between local talent and the critical needs of our businesses,” Jenkins stated. “We observed a 15% increase in entry-level positions advertised this year, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare support roles, which often require specific certifications or vocational training. The fair provided a direct conduit for individuals to understand these requirements and connect with employers actively seeking to fill these roles within the next 6 to 12 months.” The event also featured dedicated zones for educational institutions, offering information on vocational programs and continuing education crucial for career advancement.
Navigating Newberry’s Evolving Job Market
The Newberry Area Career Fair showcased a clear demand for specific skill sets, reflecting broader regional economic trends. Employers from the manufacturing sector, such as Superior Forest Products and Newberry Advanced Components, emphasized the need for skilled technicians proficient in automation, CNC operation, and quality control. Mark Thompson, HR Manager at Superior Forest Products, noted, “We are actively recruiting for positions that require a blend of mechanical aptitude and digital literacy. Starting salaries for these roles typically range from $45,000 to $55,000 annually, with opportunities for advancement into supervisory roles within three to five years. We’ve seen a 10% growth in demand for these specialized roles over the past year, and we anticipate this trend to continue as our operations become more technologically integrated.” The fair provided a direct avenue for candidates to learn about company-specific training programs and apprenticeship opportunities designed to cultivate these essential skills.
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Read More →Healthcare remained another dominant sector, with representatives from Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and regional long-term care facilities seeking Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Medical Assistants, and administrative support staff. According to Dr. Emily Carter, Chief of Staff at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, the demand for healthcare professionals in rural areas is consistently high. “We project a 20% increase in demand for patient care roles over the next two years,” Dr. Carter explained. “Entry-level CNA positions, for instance, offer competitive starting wages around $18-$22 per hour, often with benefits and tuition reimbursement programs for those pursuing further nursing education. The fair allowed us to engage directly with individuals passionate about healthcare and guide them through the certification process, which can often be completed within 6-12 months through local community colleges.”
Navigating Newberry’s Evolving Job Market The Newberry Area Career Fair showcased a clear demand for specific skill sets, reflecting broader regional economic trends.
Beyond traditional sectors, the fair also highlighted emerging opportunities in renewable energy and IT support, albeit on a smaller scale. Local startups and regional branches of larger firms presented roles requiring skills in data analysis, cybersecurity fundamentals, and solar panel installation. While these positions were fewer in number, they represented higher-growth potential and often commanded higher starting salaries, typically upwards of $60,000 for entry-level IT roles. Career counselors at the fair advised attendees to consider these fields for long-term career resilience, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and obtaining industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
Empowering the Next Generation: Resources and Pathways
A significant focus of the Newberry Area Career Fair was empowering younger job seekers and those looking to reskill or upskill. Workshops on resume building, interview techniques, and professional networking were consistently at capacity. Maria Rodriguez, a career coach from the Michigan Works! Agency, led several sessions, emphasizing practical, actionable steps. “For individuals aged 16-24, showcasing transferable skills from volunteer work, school projects, or part-time jobs is crucial,” Rodriguez advised. “We encouraged attendees to tailor their resumes to specific job descriptions and practice articulating their value proposition. Many employers at the fair were open to hiring candidates with less direct experience but strong foundational skills and a willingness to learn, especially if they demonstrated initiative and a clear career interest.”
Educational institutions like Bay College and Lake Superior State University had booths providing detailed information on associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, and certificate courses directly aligned with local industry needs. For example, Bay College showcased its Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, which can lead to employment in high-demand roles within 18-24 months. Similarly, Lake Superior State University highlighted its nursing and engineering programs, offering pathways to higher-paying, professional careers. These institutions reported a 30% increase in inquiries from fair attendees regarding specific vocational and technical programs, indicating a growing awareness among job seekers about the importance of specialized training.
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Read More →Looking ahead, the Newberry Economic Alliance plans to host follow-up workshops and virtual career clinics throughout 2024 to maintain momentum and provide ongoing support. These initiatives will focus on digital literacy, advanced manufacturing techniques, and patient care best practices, aligning with projected job growth areas. The aim is to ensure that local talent is equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving job market over the next 12-24 months. Employers at the fair also expressed interest in developing more robust internship and co-op programs, recognizing their value in cultivating future employees and reducing long-term recruitment costs. This proactive approach is expected to yield a more skilled and stable local workforce, benefiting both individuals and the regional economy.
The success of the Newberry Area Career Fair underscores the critical role such events play in local economic development and individual career progression. By fostering direct connections and providing clear guidance on skill development and educational pathways, the fair effectively addressed immediate hiring needs while also laying groundwork for future workforce resilience. For young professionals and those seeking new opportunities in the Newberry area, the insights gained and connections made at the fair offer a tangible roadmap for career growth and stability in the coming years. The collaborative efforts between local government, businesses, and educational institutions are setting a precedent for proactive talent development in the region.
“For individuals aged 16-24, showcasing transferable skills from volunteer work, school projects, or part-time jobs is crucial,” Rodriguez advised.
Sources:
- The Newberry News, published October 27, 2023
- Newberry Economic Alliance, Workforce Development Report, Q4 2023
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Regional Employment Projections, 2023-2025
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Read More →Sources: The Newberry News (2023-10-27), Newberry Economic Alliance (2023-12-31), Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (2023-11-15)
