In Michigan, Career Preparation is a system designed to give all students a jump-start on their futures by providing them with opportunities to explore a variety of careers throughout their K-12 education and beyond. It is based on the premise that, sooner or later, most people seek employment. The Department of Labor & Economic Growth wants all Michigan students to have the necessary academic, technical, and work behavior skills for success in a career of their choice.

Michigan’s Career Preparation System was created through amendments to the FY 1997-98 School Aid Act and by a 1997 Executive Order from the Governor. The goal is to organize and fully integrate various career preparation components—such as workplace readiness skills and mentoring—into Michigan’s educational system.

The mainstay of the Career Preparation System is Career Pathways. These are six broad groupings of careers that share similar characteristics and whose employment requirements call for many common interests, strengths, and competencies. The groupings encompass the entire spectrum of career options, providing opportunities for all students and all ability levels.

The six pathways are: Arts & Communication; Business Management, Marketing, & Technology; Engineering, Manufacturing, & Industrial Technology; Health Sciences; Human Services; and Natural Resources & Agriscience.

Each pathway includes examples of specific careers; level of education required for each; relevant courses in school; fast-growing occupations; and personal characteristics related to success. This information helps students see how school subjects relate to the world of work. It also helps students examine their interests, talents, and goals—and how these can relate to a chosen career.

Integrating Career Pathways into the school curriculum improves student attendance, retention, achievement, career decision-making, and career goal attainment. During the 2000-2001 school year, more than 60 high schools in Michigan are using a Career Pathway structure for organizing teaching and learning.

For more information about Michigan’s Career Preparation System and Career Pathways, call toll free 1-866-MY-GOALS or 1-888-605-6722 (TTY).