The Grad's Guide

A career resource guide for recent high school graduates across Wayne County!

Attention Wayne County grads: September is all about you! National Workforce Development Month celebrates the power of discovering your path, building new skills, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Not everyone’s journey looks the same. Some dive into college, others explore apprenticeships, trade programs, or jump straight into part-time/full time jobs. What matters is finding the path that fits your goals. Right here in Wayne County, resources and opportunities are waiting to help you explore industries like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and more.

Dive into the numerous resources in this newsletter to start finding where you can make a big impact!

Were you helped by us this summer? We'd love to hear from you!

DID YOU KNOW: You need to update your FAFSA every year you're in school.

The Department of Education announced that the 2027-2028 Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available by October 1, 2027. The FAFSA is an essential tool for families looking to receive financial aid to pay for college, unlocking access to free money!

Michigan’s new AI-focused workforce plan builds on its strong history of helping adults get credentials, jobs, and apprenticeships. The state sees AI as a huge opportunity, not just for automating tasks but for creating new, better-paying jobs if people are ready with the right skills. The goal is to empower Michiganders to be ready for today’s and tomorrow’s job opportunities in an AI-driven economy.

Manufacturing offers an excellent launchpad for young adults especially those who may not be pursuing a four-year degree. It’s a sector that combines good wages, real stability, and tangible career growth:

• Accessible entry: Many manufacturing roles require just a high school diploma or short-term, technical training—removing major barriers to entry.

• Strong earning potential: These positions often pay above average, especially compared to other jobs requiring similar credentials.

• Modern, high-tech environment: Today’s factories are not the old stereotype—they’re increasingly green, high-tech, and engaging, offering roles that are rewarding and forward-looking.

• Closing the skills gap: Michigan’s manufacturing sector faces a shortage of qualified workers. Addressing this gap by training and recruiting young adults helps ensure a robust future for both the workforce and the regional economy

Metro Detroit is taking off as a hub for aviation and aerospace, with opportunities for students and young professionals to get involved in one of the region’s most exciting industries. There are countless ways to build a career in aviation right here in Southeast Michigan beyond just being a pilot. Your career could be closer to home and higher-flying than you even realize.

If you’re exploring your options beyond high school and thinking, “What’s next?”, the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship could be a game changer. You might qualify for up to $2,000 per year (for two years) toward career-training programs right here in Michigan—no FAFSA required. To get started, simply apply through the state’s student portal, show proof of your Michigan high school diploma, and enroll in an eligible program.

A few months out from graduation, it can feel like everyone else already knows what they’re doing right? You see friends heading off to college, starting a job, or diving into training programs. It may seem they have it all figured out. But not quite.......

Here’s the truth from someone who works with them: Many are still figuring it out!

Career decisions don’t have to be permanent. Most people try out different paths before finding the one that fits. What matters is taking small steps and building momentum forward while you explore. That could mean picking up a part-time job to gain experience, meeting with a career advisor at a local community college, or checking out short-term training programs that let you “test drive” different fields.

If you’re feeling pressure to have it all figured out, take a breath. You’re not behind—you’re building your path at your own pace. Stay curious, ask questions, and keep moving forward. The direction will get clearer with every step.

1. Start with a quick assessment. Take this free one to see where your interests are.

2. Meet with Me! As a Certified Career Counselor we can explore your unique situation

3. Connect with your local MI Works Office to explore great training and employment opportunities

4. Dive deep into Wayne RESA's Career Exploration Page

The MAPS Mentorship program is in it's fifth year and expanding! We are trying to connect more graduates together to individuals in similar education or career paths who can serve as consultants for your journey. These are graduates of Wayne County Schools since 2020 who are excelling in their path and have offered to provide guidance.

Would you like to get connected to a MAPS Mentor? Fill out this form:

Get Schooled is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people get to college, find first jobs, and succeed in both.

This YouTube series will tackle some of the most common challenges of recent graduates!

Check out our YouTube Page and Social Media for interviews with professionals from numerous high-demand industries!

The Information Center offers a hub of incredible resources for those in need.

Check out a few amazing free, paid and low-cost training programs across Wayne County!

Start earning certifications in the EV Sector for free!

Paid 8-week opportunity to gain exposure in diverse trades.

The SWIFT program offers FREE PAID job training over the course of a 16 week program.

Short-term training in a few months in IT, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Construction

Free programs in IT Fundamentals, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity

Use the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship and get CNA and Phlebotomy Training FREE

Paid training in Consumer Banking

Free Construction Pre-apprenticeship

Free CDL Truck Driving Training

Free hybrid training in manufacturing and EV

Short term training for certification in phlebotomy and medical assisting

New events added consistently. Click on image to RSVP

Covering a wide-range of topics about the transition into adulthood

The “Is Entrepreneurship Right for You?” workshop, sponsored by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will kick off September 14, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. It is open to all HFC students, employees, and the public.

Students and Young Adults get to connect with local employers and gain access to opportunities

Learn the secrets to crafting an outstanding resume that will make employers take notice!

Connect directly with top employers hiring in accounting, business, IT, and supply chain.

For those interested in learning about programs at 15+ universities in Michigan

Connect with over 50 local employers for a range of great opportunities

Open to the public job and internship fair

The opportunities below are open and available to the public and not a guarantee of employment.

Click on any of the images to learn more and apply!

📍37201 Warren Rd. Westland, Mi 48185

Entry level positions as production associates available

Jobs, Internships & Leadership Opportunities

City of Dearborn Heights is hiring for several positions, including Clerical I (Records Bureau), Deputy Treasurer, Park Attendant (Part Time), Public Works General Laborer (Full Time), Patrol Officer (Full Time), Front Desk Associate (Part Time), Crossing Guard, and Cadet.

Tuition assistance available for salary and hourly team members

Join our team and support food access across Detroit and Wayne County:

→ Alternative Currency Technician

→ Mobile Market Technician

For more information, call 313-945-5200 or email britneybarroyo@detroitatwork.com

Volunteer Security Inc. is hiring Security Officers throughout Detroit and the Downriver area, and you can meet directly with their team at an upcoming hiring event at Detroit at Work Career Center, SER Metro.

Email: mintonb@resa.net
Phone: 734-589-7013

Schedule: https://calendly.com/brad-minton