The Michigan Workforce Development Board recognizes the crucial role that comprehensive career navigation plays in empowering Michigan residents to find and succeed in fulfilling, family-sustaining careers. This guide serves as an introduction to the career navigation design principles endorsed by the Board, with the goal of assisting workforce and education organizations in further developing and improving their own career navigation offerings.
Career navigation helps people explore options, build skills, and find fulfilling careers. Career navigators guide and support individuals to assess their strengths, interests, and goals. They also help develop education, training, and job placement action plans.
This resource guide outlines key principles to ensure consistent, high-quality career navigation services. The Michigan Workforce Development Board has developed these design principles to assist administrators, funders, and policymakers interested in supporting Michigan's comprehensive career navigation system. Each suggested design principle is listed along with resources and examples to consider in supporting successful planning and implementation.
Career Navigation should focus on upward economic mobility for all.
Career navigation services should reach and support populations of learners and workers who have been historically underserved.
Career navigation support must be staffed by well-trained professionals with ongoing opportunities to develop their skills.
A seamless service flow across multiple workforce and education opportunities over time is essential.
Technology should be integrated into the career navigators’ toolbox of coaching activities.
Long-term sustainable funding for career navigation services and staffing is critical for success.
Career navigation services must consider the “whole person.”
Are you interested in learning more about Career Navigation services in Michigan? Check out these programs:
Discover essential employment and training programs designed to support foundational skill sets. These programs include opportunities in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and pre-apprenticeships that equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in various industries.
Implementing career navigation services aligned to these principles and focused on empowerment, equity, and lifelong learning will provide immense benefits for the individuals served as well as the broader community. With career navigator support, people can find fulfilling careers that match their goals and offer livable wages.
